WHEN you have had an unwritten connection with a club for more than 10 years, the easiest thing in the world to do would be to formalise it.
That has been the case for the Rosebank Cricket Club in the newly named North Metro Cricket Association, with the former Jika powerhouse incorporating North Brunswick this season.
Despite being based in Reservoir, Rosebank has long held an association at Allard Park and the North Brunswick Amateur Football Club, having used the Donald St venue as home to the thirds and fourths over the last five seasons.
And with the North Brunswick Cricket Club having folded more than a decade ago, the opportunity existed for the club to return in a newly-merged form this season.
“To formalise our connection with North Brunswick, it gives our club an opportunity to survive going forward,” Rosebank-North Brunswick president Ric Tenuta said.
“Where we’re based in Reservoir it’s becoming an older area and there are not a lot of juniors coming through, but the North Brunswick area is becoming a young area again.
“Last year we ran our Milo Have-A-Go programs at both venues and we had six or seven at Reservoir and 40 at North Brunswick.
“The other issue we face is that within a 2km radius of Cotchin Reserve (in Reservoir) there’s a heap of clubs and it becomes very difficult to be able to compete.
“Cotchin is still an outstanding venue, so we’re going to remain playing our A and B Grade there.
“We’ve built a terrific relationship with the North Brunswick Football Club over the years and its something we’ll look to enhance as the years go on. Eventually, we want us to all be incorporated for football and cricket as the one club.”
The club will be captained and coached by Tony Tenuta with David Plumpton returning this year as vice captain.
Tony said after finishing third last year, the club was out to make amends this season.
“Obviously Keon Park and Camrea Taipans are the ones to beat again this year,” he said.
“We’ve been fortunate with our recruits in that we’ve been able to attract a few of the Northern Socials boys over.”
