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‘It’s exciting to get back on the park’: SRP Mud Dogs brace for tilt at GVBBL three-peat

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On the hunt: Can the SRP Mud Dogs clinch a three-peat? Photo by Megan Fisher

A mix of country and metro talent will be the driving force behind the SRP Mud Dogs’ Goulburn Valley Bush Bash League campaign this season.

Looking to continue their dominance of the league the Mud Dogs will be aiming to replicate the competition’s previous two seasons and take home the premiership once again.

Boasting the likes of Central Park-St Brendan’s gun Tyler Larkin, Melbourne’s Kobyn James and Kew/Glamorgan’s (UK) Joe Cooke, the side from Deakin Reserve is sure to ruffle a few feathers.

Speaking ahead of the new season owner Steve Reeves said it was exciting for the club to get back on the park.

“It’s a really good concept, it’s exciting to watch,” Reeves said.

“Previously when we’ve had games the crowds were really good and that’s what the games are designed to do, to get the young kids in to promote cricket in our area.”

Reeves said he believed the Mud Dogs had brought their group forward this season, with the local core ensuring the side was in a solid position.

“We think we’re in a reasonably competitive spot, but so will everyone else, when you play this standard of cricket it doesn’t matter who you play, all sides are good,” he said.

One player to watch in orange will be Carlton’s Jai Lemire, with the wicketkeeper doubling as a devastating batsman.

Lining up alongside Lemire will be Renegades Recruit runner-up Alistair McCann, two time GVBBL premiership player Liam Smith and Kew’s Andrew Chalkley — among other talents.

“We think we’re in a good spot, but so does everyone else,” Reeves said.

“When you get to this level the standard of cricket is really good, so everyone is a chance to win it on their day, obviously we’d love to win it again, but in saying that there will be three other sides trying to do the same thing.”

Set to take on the Jarvis Delahey Crushers in game one on Sunday at Deakin Reserve, the Mud Dogs will need to be at their best to produce a round one win.

“We’ll approach all the games the same,” Reeves said.

“They’ve got some wonderful players in and as I said anybody can beat anybody on their given day.”

SRP Mud Dogs’ Bush Bash Fixture

Round 1 - v Jarvis Delahey Crushers - 11am, Sunday, December 11 at Deakin Reserve.

Round 2 - v CPW Panthers - 2pm, Sunday, January 15 at Cobram Showgrounds.

Round 3 - v Hurley’s Hotel Hounds - 2pm, Sunday, January 29 at Kyabram Recreation Reserve.