Dvca - How Do We Make It Better - A Bigcricket Going Forward Forum

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Montanna said:
Everyone agrees that the pitches are diabolical to bat on and the same for junior development, and it sounds like the balls aren't great either. But as long as the pitches stay, these balls are actually creating a more even contest between bat and ball and that is what everyone should want.

Who cares if the ball looks ugly or gets replaced occasionally. Check the scores from 3 years ago, not many over 200, lots under 100, average medium pacers dominating, spinners not getting a bowl, surely this year has been better.
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So if everyone agrees the pitches and balls are no good then what are we doing still using both of them?

Agree it's been better this season, but do we really want to have a competition where we use crap pitches and have to offset that by using a ball I wouldn't throw to my dog?

That makes for a really attractive good standard of cricket doesn't it?
 
CricketBox said:
So if everyone agrees the pitches and balls are no good then what are we doing still using both of them?

Agree it's been better this season, but do we really want to have a competition where we use crap pitches and have to offset that by using a ball I wouldn't throw to my dog?

That makes for a really attractive good standard of cricket doesn't it?
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Keeping the issues separate, because lets be honest they are. Keepinig the balls has nothing to do with combatting the pitches and making it even for batters and bowlers, that was a silly comment from Montanna.

I have said all along that I agree with everyone, that the balls and and the pitches should be replaced, but for those that haven't been to a comp meeting, or even your club meeting, there are a few things you probably aren't aware of. Firstly, the DVCA are under contract for 2 seasons to use these balls. We can't just decide to not use them. We will be using them next season. What the DVCA can do, and have done, is to ask them to imporove their quality. Which they have done thus far with the second batch, but they are still not up to scratch. Hopefully there is still some more improvement to be done! The second batch are significantly better than the first, but they are still very sub standard. All we can do as players is continue to provide example to the DVCA and ultimately the makers and ask that they fix their stands.

As for the pitches - There are a few factors that people need to think about. For the changes to be made, we need both (or is it 3) councils to all agree to have the pitches changed, otherwise it will make the comp worse by having half-half across the comp. Secondly, who is going to pay? The councils aren't going to fork out to have new pitches put in everywhere (its not just ones grounds), especially when they will argue that most of the pitches are in perfect condition. Then add in the fact the pitches would now need to be covered and uncovered again, whilst you may not think about it, it too would cost a fair bit to have that done. Then, on a club level. Would every club be in a financial position to pay to have their pitch changed? Perfect example is Panton Hill. They have changed their this year, and being a smaller club in a rural area, i would doubt they have a bank account the size of Bundoora United (just joking boys), to then fork out more money again the following season.
 
Tongs said:
Keeping the issues separate, because lets be honest they are. Keepinig the balls has nothing to do with combatting the pitches and making it even for batters and bowlers, that was a silly comment from Montanna.

I have said all along that I agree with everyone, that the balls and and the pitches should be replaced, but for those that haven't been to a comp meeting, or even your club meeting, there are a few things you probably aren't aware of. Firstly, the DVCA are under contract for 2 seasons to use these balls. We can't just decide to not use them. We will be using them next season. What the DVCA can do, and have done, is to ask them to imporove their quality. Which they have done thus far with the second batch, but they are still not up to scratch. Hopefully there is still some more improvement to be done! The second batch are significantly better than the first, but they are still very sub standard. All we can do as players is continue to provide example to the DVCA and ultimately the makers and ask that they fix their stands.

As for the pitches - There are a few factors that people need to think about. For the changes to be made, we need both (or is it 3) councils to all agree to have the pitches changed, otherwise it will make the comp worse by having half-half across the comp. Secondly, who is going to pay? The councils aren't going to fork out to have new pitches put in everywhere (its not just ones grounds), especially when they will argue that most of the pitches are in perfect condition. Then add in the fact the pitches would now need to be covered and uncovered again, whilst you may not think about it, it too would cost a fair bit to have that done. Then, on a club level. Would every club be in a financial position to pay to have their pitch changed? Perfect example is Panton Hill. They have changed their this year, and being a smaller club in a rural area, i would doubt they have a bank account the size of Bundoora United (just joking boys), to then fork out more money again the following season.
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Tongs, despite what most people, and probably yourself think, I am not an uneducated moron! I do understand all of these things you have mentioned, from the ball tender to the various reasons that would be delaying or halting any type of pitch revamp.

All I'm suggesting is that if we do not make changes we will end up with an ordinary comp that is unnatractive (it's already heading this way). In turn affecting our retention rates from juniors and our ability to attract cricketers from other leagues or even our own juniors back from higher levels.

I want the DVCA to be strong. I want the DVCA to be a good quality comp. I want the DVCA to be the first choice for local cricketers.

I understand it's going to take time and $$$$ to fix it.

I just hope it gets fixed.
 
CricketBox said:
Tongs, despite what most people, and probably yourself think, I am not an uneducated moron! I do understand all of these things you have mentioned, from the ball tender to the various reasons that would be delaying or halting any type of pitch revamp.

All I'm suggesting is that if we do not make changes we will end up with an ordinary comp that is unnatractive (it's already heading this way). In turn affecting our retention rates from juniors and our ability to attract cricketers from other leagues or even our own juniors back from higher levels.

I want the DVCA to be strong. I want the DVCA to be a good quality comp. I want the DVCA to be the first choice for local cricketers.

I understand it's going to take time and $$$$ to fix it.

I just hope it gets fixed.
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hahaha Sorry, it wasn't directing it at you personally, nor was I suggesting you were an uneducated moron. We agree on most things cricket.

I was just pointing out pretty key factors that would be limiting the changes. Its also not helped by the fact that not all clubs want the new balls gone, nor do all clubs want the pitches gone. That hurts our argument.
 
Tongs said:
hahaha Sorry, it wasn't directing it at you personally, nor was I suggesting you were an uneducated moron. We agree on most things cricket.

I was just pointing out pretty key factors that would be limiting the changes. Its also not helped by the fact that not all clubs want the new balls gone, nor do all clubs want the pitches gone. That hurts our argument.
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Haha, I know mate was just having a laugh.

There are certainly key factors to be included, its going to take plenty of time and $$$$ to rectify.

Are there really clubs out there that support the pitches? That astounds me.
 
CricketBox said:
Tongs, despite what most people, and probably yourself think, I am not an uneducated moron! I do understand all of these things you have mentioned, from the ball tender to the various reasons that would be delaying or halting any type of pitch revamp.

All I'm suggesting is that if we do not make changes we will end up with an ordinary comp that is unnatractive (it's already heading this way). In turn affecting our retention rates from juniors and our ability to attract cricketers from other leagues or even our own juniors back from higher levels.

I want the DVCA to be strong. I want the DVCA to be a good quality comp. I want the DVCA to be the first choice for local cricketers.

I understand it's going to take time and $$$$ to fix it.

I just hope it gets fixed.
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So you do understand it all - but still want it fixed.....today. But what else can the Exec do that they are not doing now?

Balls are better than initial batch - DVCA Exec did extremely well to get this done, (with not enough help from clubs). Maybe they stuffed it up to start with, but not having a tendering / comparable supplier system in place, makes it impossible to police pricing/standard of product.

Pitches - meetings with (3) Councils are taking place (again, not enough response and feedback from clubs, has delayed this process) but will not happen until clubs agree to split the costs - or Cricket Australia (Cricket Victoria) either throw money to assist, or put enough pressure on Fed and State governments to demand that this happens.

I am not sure what club you are from CB, but make sure that you are speaking to the powers there, and at all other clubs you may attend and socialise at and spread the word to get info and feedback back to DVCA.

Balls will get better again - 1 year to go.
Pitches will get changed - not within 2 -3 years for all to be done.

Next subject.
 
To be honest, I've never been a big opponent of the new balls. They didn't seem as bad to me as what many people were saying.

I think the big problem is the pitches. I've played DVCA since we had mats and I really can't stand the new pitches.

As someone who no longer lives near my club, but travels to play DVCA each week, I'm really considering voting with my feet and playing elsewhere. Three seasons is a long time to wait for more playable pitches.
 
WanderingUnity said:
So you do understand it all - but still want it fixed.....today. But what else can the Exec do that they are not doing now?

Balls are better than initial batch - DVCA Exec did extremely well to get this done, (with not enough help from clubs). Maybe they stuffed it up to start with, but not having a tendering / comparable supplier system in place, makes it impossible to police pricing/standard of product.

Pitches - meetings with (3) Councils are taking place (again, not enough response and feedback from clubs, has delayed this process) but will not happen until clubs agree to split the costs - or Cricket Australia (Cricket Victoria) either throw money to assist, or put enough pressure on Fed and State governments to demand that this happens.

I am not sure what club you are from CB, but make sure that you are speaking to the powers there, and at all other clubs you may attend and socialise at and spread the word to get info and feedback back to DVCA.

Balls will get better again - 1 year to go.
Pitches will get changed - not within 2 -3 years for all to be done.

Next subject.
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Sorry, I'll move on.
 
Warwick Todd said:
To be honest, I've never been a big opponent of the new balls. They didn't seem as bad to me as what many people were saying.

I think the big problem is the pitches. I've played DVCA since we had mats and I really can't stand the new pitches.

As someone who no longer lives near my club, but travels to play DVCA each week, I'm really considering voting with my feet and playing elsewhere. Three seasons is a long time to wait for more playable pitches.
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I agree.

For some, that live local, we are stuck with them.
 
CricketBox said:
I agree.

For some, that live local, we are stuck with them.
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Good point, and you can be sure, my club WILL be one of the first to revert back to the new pitches once approval comes through, (not just because we have a strong batting side!!!) but because it is the only way to teach kids to play proper cricket.
 
WanderingUnity said:
Good point, and you can be sure, my club WILL be one of the first to revert back to the new pitches once approval comes through, (not just because we have a strong batting side!!!) but because it is the only way to teach kids to play proper cricket.
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Or you could keep the pitch and put the money towards some changerooms? Surely no one wants to see Gunn and Curtin with their "rigs" out each week?
 
Speaking with the local council, when (or if) the decision to revert to old style pitches is made, then I am told that the pitches will be replaced on an 'as needs' basis. Not as a bulk hit.
So the example of Panton Hill- likely to have the all weather wicket another 5 years.... Others, eg Yulong 1 ( Bundoora) could be a year or 2 tops...
Will make for some interesting cricket playing on differnet wickets each week. But that is part of the challenge of cricket isnt it..? Turf cricketers face this scenario every week.
 
New Balls please.
DVCA have asked for all of the second batch of balls to be returned again, and the Platypus Test grade balls will be used in the last 2 rounds and finals.

And the contract will be reviewed after this season. A lot of pressure and the DVCA make a good decision.

Now it is just the pitches and we will be right according to this forum!!!
 
WanderingUnity said:
New Balls please.
DVCA have asked for all of the second batch of balls to be returned again, and the Platypus Test grade balls will be used in the last 2 rounds and finals.

And the contract will be reviewed after this season. A lot of pressure and the DVCA make a good decision.

Now it is just the pitches and we will be right according to this forum!!!
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Is that a compulsory ruling from the DVCA that the test grade quality must be used the final two games? Can't help but cringe if the quality of balls come into play during the finals.
 
WanderingUnity said:
New Balls please.
DVCA have asked for all of the second batch of balls to be returned again, and the Platypus Test grade balls will be used in the last 2 rounds and finals.

And the contract will be reviewed after this season. A lot of pressure and the DVCA make a good decision.

Now it is just the pitches and we will be right according to this forum!!!
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Hopefully a good move, time will tell, good to see some reaction from the comp, great work.
 
Tongs said:
Is that a compulsory ruling from the DVCA that the test grade quality must be used the final two games? Can't help but cringe if the quality of balls come into play during the finals.
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Not compulsory, but at no charge to the clubs.

If quality comparisons come in to play, the club with the inferior ball will only have themselves to blame for not sending an email and organising a change over of balls from the current ones.

Not a hard process by any stretch.
 
Reigniting the pitch debate again, I played at Camera's #2 oval (top one) on the weekend and if that surface is going to be used throughout the competition, everyone should be happy. It looks to be still all weather, but the pile is much shorter so it doesn't feel spongy under foot and most importantly, there is no trampoline bounce. You can still get it up there, but the ball has to be genuinely short and you have to really bang it into the deck. After a few overs adjusting to the lack of bounce (to what we've become accustomed to), it was quite nice to bat on.
 
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