Around the Grounds

The Imperials

THE Imperials kicked off its two-day match against Kilcunda-Bass on Saturday.

Playing at the Bass Recreation Reserve, the Panthers won the toss and chose to bat first.

The Panthers batted well, recording a score of 9/261.

Joel Dickson and Andrew Leighton were the stars of the show, making 77 and 52 runs respectively.

“The ground was pretty quick, so we are feeling optimistic that we will be able to chase down their score and take the win,” Imperials captain Sam Vagg said.

“We had some tight bowling. The pick of our bowlers was Cooper Rickard, who took four wickets.”

James Jeffery and Cameron Bruce also put in a solid effort with the ball. 

“We played Kilcunda-Bass in round two and made 229. They had Adam Miller fill in for that game, who made 129 of their runs. We’re hoping to put on a good performance next weekend and get the win this time.”

Inverloch

INVERLOCH played its first game on the turf this week against Phillip Island.

“We haven’t been able to play on the turf because of the poor weather, so it was good to have the first hit out,” senior coach Dylan Clark said.

“We lost the toss and were sent in first, which was unlucky because we probably would’ve chosen to bowl first.

“It was a rocky start. We lost our first wicket for next to no runs. However, the partnership of Dave Newman and Ron Abeysinghe got things going for us.

“There was a little collapse through the middle, but the tailenders did a good job to get the score to 185.”

Inverloch was aiming for 200-210, but Clark said 185 was still a good score and the Stingrays are confident they will be able to defend it on a challenging pitch.

“Dave was our best batsman for the day. He made just under 50 with a sore hamstring, which was gutsy of him,” Clark said.

“His son Rhys also had a good day.”

Historically, Phillip Island have been strong competition for Inverloch with great batsmen up top.

In particular, the Stingrays will be keen to try to dismiss Daniel Mock before he can do too much damage on the scoreboard. 

Kilcunda-Bass

KOONWARRA-Leongatha RSL had a strong opening day of the two-day clash, posting a strong 9/248 declared before Kilcunda-Bass reached 0/8 at stumps in A Grade.

After being sent in, Koonwarra-Leongatha were steadied by a series of patient middle-order partnerships. 

Callum Buckland (49 off 124) anchored the innings with a gritty knock, while William Cashin (46 off 77) and Kayden Scrimshaw (35) added valuable support.

Late cameos from James Rushton (29) and Harry Scrimshaw (16)* helped push the total towards 250 before the visitors shut the innings down in the 68th over.

Killy-Bass battled hard with the ball across a long day in the field. 

Cameron Davidson was the standout, finishing with 3/48 from 14 overs, including key wickets in the middle order. Harrison Berry chipped in with 3/17, striking twice late before a timely declaration from Koonwarra-Leongatha.

Set 248 for victory, Kilcunda-Bass safely negotiated the final overs of the day, reaching 0/8, with both openers looking settled heading into next week’s chase. They will resume needing a further 240 runs with all ten wickets in hand.

A tight second day looms, with the match well poised.

Kilcunda-Bass produced a strong batting display on day one, reaching 9/261 from 70 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat against Imperials in B Grade.

The innings was built around a classy knock from Joel Dickson (77 off 99), who set the platform with seven boundaries. Andrew Leighton (52 off 83)* anchored the later stages, guiding Killy to a competitive total. 

Important middle-order contributions came from Zac Crow (36), Benjamin Lucas (30) and Vijai Kumar Gopal (20) as partnerships continued to build throughout the day.

Imperials shared the wickets – Cameron Bruce (2/51), James Jeffery (2/77), Gary Sauvarin (2/33)

With 261 on the board, Kilcunda-Bass feel well placed heading into next week as Imperials look to mount a chase.

Koonwarra L/RSL

THE Cougars played its first two-day game on Saturday.

In A2, Koonwarra L/RSL declared with a score of 9/248 against Kilcunda-Bass and made 10/258 against Nyora in B2.

For Jimmy Rushton, this week marked his 100th Senior game. 

Koonwarra L/RSL is hosting Orange Round games this coming weekend in support of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence. 

Join the club in supporting the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence through our Orange Round games on November 29 and 30. 

The club would like to remind everyone that when there is equity in sport everyone wins. 

The campaign aims to raise awareness and prevent violence against women and girls. 

This year the theme is “A violence-free Victoria. It all starts with respect”.

Respect is promoting equality and respect, on and off the field. 

Sport has the power to create positive change. 

It can bring communities together and give a sense of belonging. 

Celebrating everyone’s participation in sport, regardless of gender, helps create a culture where everyone feels safe and equal. 

At Koonwarra Leongatha RSL Cricket Club, the members are proud of what the women’s team has achieved so far and thrilled with the outstanding contribution across the whole club from women and girls.
Join the 16 Days of Activism and help build communities where women are safe and equal. It all starts with respect. 

To learn more about 16 Days of Activism visit: bit.ly/47n1ziQ.

Korumburra

ON A day where the ball firmly had the upper hand, the match is finely balanced and perfectly set for a grandstand finish when play resumes next week.

Before the start, A Grade caps were proudly presented to Rueben Foster and Jayden Douglas. 

Batting first, Korumburra struggled to convert early starts into meaningful scores against a disciplined Nyora attack. 

Simeon Foster (10 off 61), Rumesh Rangana (12 off 30) and Mitch Young (10 off 41) were the best of the bats in a grinding innings.

Nyora also found scoring difficult, with opening bowlers Jacob Whitside and Rueben Foster keeping things extremely tight. Rueben made the early breakthrough, removing the dangerous Henry

Dolphin to give the Cobras early momentum.

Skipper Harry McNeill then turned the match on its head, bringing himself into the attack and delivering a superb spell.

His outstanding figures of 6/15 off 10 overs dragged Korumburra right back into the contest and ensured the game remains evenly poised heading into day two. 

Batting first in C Grade, the Cobras made a steady start with Peter Edwards in full control at the top of the order. 

He compiled a well-made 54 off 61 balls, featuring three fours and two sixes. 

Rhys Butler was the only other batter to reach double figures, finishing unbeaten on 17 off 28 deliveries, including a towering six.

Despite an early breakthrough with the ball, the Cobras were unable to make enough inroads into the OMK lineup during the middle overs. 

However, disciplined bowling kept the pressure on and pushed the game deep into the innings before OMK reached the target with four overs to spare.

Tom Sorrell and Peter Edwards collected two wickets each, while George Edwards added one to round out the wicket-takers.

Leongatha Town

TOWN won the toss and chose to bat, with Ash and Shem Hickey opening the innings in C Grade. 

Ash got a start with 10 before Shem fell early, bringing Melvin Kezhuvanthanam to the crease. 

Melvin played a superb knock, anchoring the innings with a brilliant 71 as Town reached 137 all out.

With the ball, Nijo Devassy, Callum Smith and Alyssa Edwards each claimed a wicket, while keeper Kate Oates impressed behind the stumps with two excellent catches. 

Despite the effort in the field, Wonthaggi chased down the total in the 30th over.

In A Grade, Town batted first and put together a solid team performance with the bat. 

Captain Jesse Giardina led from the front with a handy 24, while Max Carter looked composed at the top of the order. 

Seb Kyle top-scored with 34, and a strong late partnership between Archie Fixter and Birendra De Saram added 50 valuable runs.

Several players made starts but couldn’t push on to a big score; however, contributions across the board lifted Town to 177.

It was a tough day in the field for Town in B Grade, with Hugh Livingstone the standout bowler, working tirelessly for his two wickets. 

Captain Col Bruce claimed the only other scalp, while Ethan Smith put in a huge effort, sending down 14 overs.

Wonthaggi declared at 343, and Town began its reply late in the day but struggled to build momentum, finishing the first day trailing by 315.

Thank you to everyone who came along to the Leongatha Town Scorpions Comedy Night on November 22, and all of the individuals and businesses who donated auction and raffle items. 

The club couldn’t play cricket without the support of the wonderful community.

MDU

MDU competed in its first two-day game against Glen Alvie in A2 on Saturday.

Playing at the Meeniyan Recreation Reserve, MDU bowled out Glen Alvie for 224.

Archie Casey took 2/52 off 20, Scott Brown took 2/47 off 13 and Mark Cantwell claimed 3/9 off six.

B Grade also had its first two-day game and bowled against Glen Alvie.

Glen Alvie made 5/262.

Jake Palmer took 2/59 off 19, Kurt Sinclair took 2/41 16 and Riley Prosser took 1/13 off four.

C Grade played a one-day game against Wonthaggi.

Club batted first making 5/261.

MDU made 4/179 in reply.

MDU’s top bowlers were Kieran Brown 1/28 off seven, Matt Portelli 1/47 off seven and Craig Hoober 1/54 off seven.

The pick of MDU’s batsmen were Matt Olden 71 off 77, Portelli 43 not out off 37 and Gary Webster 32 of 45.  

Nerrena

NERRENA took on The Imperials at the Leongatha Recreation Reserve in A1 on Saturday.

The Red Caps won the toss and chose to bowl.

The Nerrena bowlers were able to take a couple of early wickets, but a breakthrough from Imps batsmen Jack and Damon Ginnane ensured a decent score.

Archie Gannon and Tim Wightman were the best bowlers for Nerrena, taking three wickets each.

Nerrena’s bowlers had the Imps all out of 144.

Jack Curtis and James Kelly opened the batting for Nerrena.

Curtis is coming off his good form from last week and will back at the crease with Mitch Clark next week.

The Red Caps made 1/36.

“The side is looking good and hopefully they can get the job done,” Nerrena president Zack Trease said.

“We are sitting third on the ladder at the moment, having only lost one game with Wonthaggi. Hopefully we can keep getting those wins and stay a few games clear of fifth and sixth heading into Christmas.” 

In B1, OMK won the toss and sent Nerrena into bat.

The first wicket fell swiftly when Kade Berryman was dismissed LBW by Adam Trotto.

The Red Caps regrouped, and Billy Trotman and Gerard Murphy delivered a solid partnership.

Damien Symmons and Cameron Baudinette stepped in, making 74 and 52 respectively.

Nerrena managed to lift the score to 230 before it was bowled out. 

OMK played six overs to launch its innings. 

Nyora

A COOL four-wicket haul from Nyora’s Reece Cordeux kept Korumburra to a manageable score of 71 on Saturday.

The A2 match was held at the Korumburra Recreation Reserve. 

Korumburra won the toss and chose to bowl.

Nyora claimed early wickets and the only ray of hope was Korumburra’s fourth change batsman Rumesh Rangana, who made 12 runs.

Mitch Young added 10 runs and Simeon Foster top-scored with 15 runs.

Cordeux claimed 4/36 and three wickets were taken by Trent Breen.

Nyora opened its innings and was off to a healthy start as Daniel Esler made 30 runs.

However, Korumburra bowlers Harry McNeil and Jacob Whiteside stepped up the bowling and Nyora found it difficult to put runs on the board.

Nyora finished the day with 8/67 – results that should deliver an interesting day two this weekend. 

OMK

A CLOSE contest was battled out between OMK and Korumburra in the C1 match at Digger Park on Saturday.

Korumburra won the toss and chose to bat first.

OMK demonstrated some tight, consistent bowling, which held Korumburra to 108.

“We fielded well and kept things pretty tight despite a couple of dropped catches,” OMK’s Jordan Myors said.

“Peter Edwards was the standout batsman for Korumburra, so once he was out, we were able to get through the rest of the order.”

Joel Cuman and Steven Loader were OMK’s top bowlers, claiming two wickets each.

OMK lost an easy wicket early, which saw Russ White dismissed, but Mathew Walker and Cuman were able to steady the ship.

After Walker was dismissed, fourth change batsman Luke Walker stepped up to the crease and put another 27 runs on the scoreboard, which helped to get OMK across the line.

OMK has the bye next weekend and will be taking on Wonthaggi Club in round nine.

This week, the Diggers will be putting their attention towards Bogan Bingo. 

Phillip Island

IN a closer encounter at Rhyll Cricket Ground on Saturday, November 22, the Phillip Island Districts Cricket Club C Grade Sharks defeated Nerrena in round seven of the Division One summer 2025/26 season.

Phillip Island Sharks won the toss and elected to bat. Setting a competitive total, finishing their innings at seven wickets for 175 runs after 35 overs. Oliver Hodson was a standout competitor, contributing a solid 43 runs to the Sharks’ total, well supported by captain Michael Cleary, who remained not out on 38 runs, a strong finish for the Sharks. 

In response, Nerrena accumulated 163 runs in 32.3 overs. The Sharks clinched victory by 12 runs. 

Wonthaggi Club

A MIGHTY partnership between David Britt and Ian Hughes resulted in an impressive score for Wonthaggi Club in B1 on Saturday.

Playing against Leongatha Town, openers Britt and Hughes made 97 and 161 runs respectively.

“This is Ian’s first season back in 12 years,” Club president Luke McGuirk said.

Drew Herbert was the pick of Club’s bowlers with four wickets, and 14-year-old Chase Adams claimed three wickets.

Club declared with a score of 3/343.

In C2, Club had a good win against Leongatha Town.

Town made 137 runs, which Club successfully chased down.

A big batting effort from Justin Licis saw him record 58 runs and Heath Crump backed up his performance from last week by opening with 20 runs.

Angus Benetti brought it home with 36 not out.

“It’s our first year in C2 and we are sitting undefeated on top of the ladder, which is largely to the credit of our younger players,” McGuirk said.

Wonthaggi Club held a successful trivia night on Saturday night.

The night was sponsored by the Wonthaggi Club, which provided the first-place prize, and the second-place prize was provided by the Coal Mine Café.

The event was catered by Nyojos Pizza, which has been a sponsor of the club for around five years, and 50 people attended.

Next week, C2 will be playing Glen Alvie.

“We have a good relationship with Glen Alvie, so we are expecting a high-quality match,” McGuirk said.

“Glen Alvie is sitting behind us in second place on the ladder, so it will be a big test for us.”