Governance change to Bartercard Premier Cricket

Nearly 100 years of tradition came to a close after CV’s member clubs and affiliates endorsed the proposal for CV to manage the running and management of the Premier Cricket competition.

CV Chairman Geoff Tamblyn said that the decision would further the development of the competition.

“There have been various discussions with the presidents and the delegates over the past 12 to 18 months about whether Premier Cricket would be better served by having full time CV staff and management run it, rather than rely on volunteers to oversee our top flight grade of cricket,” Tamblyn said.

Bartercard Premier Cricket, established in 1906-07, is the highest grade of Victorian cricket with records indicating that since the early 1920s, the competition has been overseen and wholly managed by a pennant committee made up of five representatives nominated by clubs, on an honorary volunteer basis.

CV’s Premier Cricket Strategy and Development Manager, Mike Ronchi said that the competition will always be indebted to the duty of pennant committees of the past.

“I must thank the current and all previous pennant committees over the history of Premier Cricket who have dedicated their time and energies as volunteers to administer our great game,” Ronchi said.

“The endorsement is very pleasing.

“The fact that we now have the faith and assurance of the clubs to be entrusted with the management of our state’s finest cricket competition gives us the confidence and an opportunity to work alongside all stakeholders in pushing a vision for what is best, not only for the Premier Cricket competition but for Victorian cricket.”