ECA Presidents Welcome Message 2026-27 Season
Welcome to Season 2026-27
As we embark on the 2026 - 27 season, I would like to extend a warm welcome to all players, officials, volunteers, supporters and member clubs across the Eastern Cricket Association.
I would like to sincerely thank the members of the ECA Executive, our General Manager Peter Simpson, our sub-committee members, umpires and volunteers whose dedication and hard work continue to ensure the successful operation of our Association.
In particular, I acknowledge the leadership and commitment of our committee heads who play such an important role in the ongoing growth and development of our competitions. I also thank Sharon Lynas from Cricket Victoria for her continued support and guidance.
A special thank you goes to our over 80 member clubs and the countless committee members, coaches, team managers and volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes each week. Community cricket simply cannot function without your contribution.
Over recent years the ECA has experienced significant change. Following the departure of long-serving Executive members Rod Patterson and Greg McLeod, we have continued the important transition of knowledge and governance within the Association. The appointment of Peter Simpson as our full-time General Manager and Dani Hedley as Assistant Manager has strengthened the ECA's capacity to support clubs and members, and we continue to refine our systems and processes to deliver a better experience for everyone involved.
It is particularly pleasing to see continued growth in our girls’, women’s and veterans’ competitions, reflecting the increasing diversity and inclusiveness of cricket throughout our region. We also welcome new clubs that have joined the ECA and look forward to supporting them as they become part of our cricketing community. Our Association now boasts a broad geographic footprint stretching across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs and beyond, providing opportunities for more people than ever to enjoy the game.
As we look ahead to the season, I encourage all participants to embrace the values of respect, fair play, inclusion and enjoyment. Cricket has a unique ability to bring people together, build lifelong friendships and strengthen communities, and the ECA is proud to play its part in fostering these outcomes.
On behalf of the Executive, I wish all clubs and participants a successful, enjoyable and memorable 2026 - 27 season. I look forward to visiting clubs throughout the year and seeing firsthand the continued growth and success of our Association.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the Eastern Cricket Association, and best wishes for a fantastic season ahead.
Kind regards,
Neil
Neil Dalrymple
President | Eastern Cricket Association