‘Tracking along nicely’: GVBBL organisers ready for third instalment

By Aydin Payne

Jan 3, 2022

Third time lucky? Will the SRP Mud Dogs claim a third consecutive Goulburn Valley Bush Bash League title? Photo by Max Stainkamph

It is less than a week until the Goulburn Valley Bush Bash League makes its triumphant return.

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Balls sailing onto the top of grandstands, bowlers having the last laugh and spectators soaking up all the action — it’s intoxicating viewing.

The region’s own Twenty20 competition kicks off on Sunday, January 9, with all four teams descending on Shepparton’s Deakin Reserve.

The question on everyone’s lips this summer is whether anyone can dislodge the SRP Mud Dogs from their throne.

The Shepparton-based franchise has won both editions to date.

Hurley’s Hotel Hounds, Cobram Panel Works Panthers and Jarvis Delahey Crushers are the trio that will be hellbent on making sure the trophy does not return to the Mud Dogs.

The third edition of the GVBBL gets under way at 11am, with the Crushers taking on the Panthers, followed by the grand final rematch of the Hounds and Mud Dogs.

GVBBL organiser David D’Elia said it was all systems go for Sunday’s matches, while he revealed each game would be livestreamed.

“Everything is tracking along nicely,” D’Elia said.

“We had a bit of hassle with some minor things earlier on, but now we have got a clear run at it. Everyone is looking forward to getting stuck into it again.

“We are in the final phase of getting things sorted. We are just waiting to hear about a ground announcer and a DJ.

“We have got Pro-Image at every game which is really exciting. All of our games, including the finals, will be livestreamed.”

All four clubs have ramped up their preparations for the upcoming GVBBL.

The Mud Dogs welcomed former Victorian Premier Cricket all-rounder Andrew Chalkley earlier this month.

Chalkley made more than 100 appearances for Richmond in the state’s top competition.

Meanwhile, the Hounds have acquired the services of Greenvale Kangaroos batter Jack Potticary — an import from the UK.

D’Elia praised the pro-active attitude of clubs in searching for high-profile players.

Asked whether there could be more marquee player announcements in the coming weeks, D’Elia expected clubs to make a few surprise calls.

“It’s been really great. The level that clubs have gone to, whether it be attracting players or sponsors, has been incredible,” D’Elia said.

“They have done a lot of work and they should be applauded.

“The clubs, they like to keep things close to their chest, but once we get closer I suspect they will have a few more player announcements.”

One of the exciting aspects of the upcoming GVBBL is the potential to witness the next player who might break onto the national stage.

In the past month former GVBBL talents James Seymour and Todd Murphy have landed on playing rosters in the Big Bash League.

Seymour crunched a six with his first delivery on debut for the Melbourne Renegades, while Murphy made his debut for the Sydney Sixers.

“Yes, it’s good to be able to say James has played in our comp and now look where he is, but it’s also showed how strong our local talent is because they have performed well against those players,” D’elia said.

“The locals are getting a chance to rub shoulders with players from Melbourne or Geelong and it’s only improving their game.”

Round two of the GVBBL will be played at Cobram Showgrounds on January 23, before round three at Kyabram Recreation Reserve on February 6. The grand final is slated for February 13 at Deakin Reserve.