Sports Team of the Year – Merton Cricket Club

Fourth Quarter nomination sponsored by Hotel Delatite

HEADLINE: From the ashes to the pool room

MERTON Cricket Club has gone from strength to strength since rising from the ashes last year.

After a successful comeback season where the side were on the winning end of most of their battles, they were promoted from C to B grade this season.

While the test has been tougher, it's nothing the Merton boys can't handle, with their regular contributors featuring in the side's top–notch performances week in week out.

Now part of the Wangaratta league, Merton was initially part of the Alexandra and Euroa Cricket Association and then the Benalla Cricket Association, winning three premierships and being runner–up half a dozen times.

When the Benalla association folded, Merton joined the Seymour league, while Mansfield joined Wangaratta.

The following year in 2017 Merton took home the B Grade premiership.

But then all went quiet.

It seemed strange for a club on top of the world with great facilities like Merton to drop off the map.

A closer look revealed the loss of players was a major factor.

But post–COVID, the club with its fantastic facilities and almighty 'MCG' is back on the map and cracking them through the covers.

Last year President Bernie Cummins, who's been instrumental in the club's resurrection, took out the annual Sports Clubperson of the Year Award.

And now the Merton Cricket side have the chance to take home the team award this year, as deserved fourth quarter nominees for Sports Team of the Year.

Sports Clubperson of the Year – Peter Scales

Fourth Quarter nomination sponsored by O'Kelly

HEADLINE: Tipping the hat to Scales

DELATITE Cricket Club travelled smoothly through the 2018/2019 season before the pandemic hit, with club president, Peter Scales, championing his club every step of the way.

Peter has filled the shoes of club president and has loved every minute of it.

"I have enjoyed it," said Scales.

Beginning in a league near St Andrews in Pascoe Vale at age 11, he has since gone on to play for Traralgon and Marysville, before moving to Mansfield.

2022/23 has been a tough start for Delatite, and despite 'word on the street' that Scales might hang up the presidential hat, the wily veteran has shown us all that he's got plenty more in the tank – both on and off the field.

In a very strange start to cricket season due the unseasonal rains experienced across the region, Scales stood steadfast in the club's protracted return to Lords Oval, while on a few occasions, local players have still yet to resurface from their COVID–hangovers and take to the field.

But Scales has been there every time, with a back page worthy report every week, making him a more–thank–worthy nominee for Sports Clubperson of the Year.