A couple of years in the making, a former Lara junior returning to the GCA has opted to sign with a club a division below.
In a suburban Geelong garage Brent Smith is hand shaping English willow cricket bats – the traditional way.
McMaster will call Herne Hill home in 2023-24, a few years after he came reasonably close to signing with the Saints.
It comes after St Peter’s was rolled for 102 in a GCA2 first grade semi-final last summer by Murgheboluc, losing 8/20 at home.
Opener Hayden Illingworth has also departed the club to coach Queenscliff.
McMaster, who has played the last two seasons with Druids in the VTCA, made two GCA1 centuries for Lara between 2018-21 and scored more than 1200 runs.
He and Andrew Hughes set a club record partnership of 334 in the first half of 19-20.
However, McMaster made double figures in most innings last summer with Druids – with a top score of 27 – after recording three half centuries in 21-22 with an unbeaten 84 his highest score against St Albans.
Former Lara junior Brad McMaster has signed with St Peter’s Cricket Club for the 2023-24 season. Picture: St Peter’s CC.
McMaster has also played for the Barwon Rockets and was selected in the Victorian Country Under 21 team in February, 2019.
Saints coach Luke Ford said the eventual coup came through work colleague and club secretary Aaron McArthur.
“I believe the club was close to getting him a few years ago,” Ford said.
“But then he went up to Melbourne.
“It’s through ‘Az’ really, he planted the seed. We just did the easy part, it was all Aaron really.
“It’s a great get for the club.
McMaster batting for Lara against South Barwon in GCA1. Picture: Peter Ristevski
“While we know what he was like at Lara, he’ll fit into our age bracket as well.
“He’s looking to help the young kids.”
Ford said McMaster’s ability to bat for long periods would be a great asset for the club, partnering up with young Matt Sorgiovanni.
“He knows how to bat long periods of time which is perfect,” he said.
“He’ll fit into the group with his younger age.
“He likes to attack the ball, play his shots.
“Hopefully going to plan … we’ll post some big totals.”