Koony-Leongatha RSL cricketer making his mark with the Vics

CRICKET Victoria’s T20 team has been in Darwin this past week playing in 2026 Study NT Top End T20 Series.

And after winning all but one of their games, ahead for their final match this Saturday, and hopefully the final on Sunday, August 30, they’re sitting on top of the ladder.

And doing his bit for the team is former Koonwarra-Leongatha RSL product, Harry Hoekstra.

He’s so far taken wickets in all three of the games he’s played; 1/27 against NT Strike on Thursday, August 27, 2/15 in the team’s only loss to Bangladesh High Performance on Monday, August 24 and 2/19 against Hyderabad Kingsmen the previous Saturday.

The Victorian squad, led by captain Will Sutherland, features a mix of emerging talent and players with domestic experience, including Harry Dixon, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Harper, Tom Rogers, Todd Murphy and Michael Archer.

Victoria opened its campaign against the Hobart Hurricanes on Friday, August 21, before taking on Hyderabad, Bangladesh and New Zealand A. The beat NT Strike and are set for an emotion-charged match against Nepal on Saturday, August 29, after the distressing events in their home country in recent days, before finals on Sunday, August 30, depending on its group standing.

The nine-team tournament brings together international sides, T20 franchises, Australian domestic talent and Big Bash League Academy programs, making it an ideal opportunity for Victoria’s players to test themselves against a diverse range of opposition.

All 30 matches are being streamed live and free nationally on 7plus Sport, with the tournament running from August 21–30.

For Victoria, the campaign represents an important block of T20 cricket and a valuable opportunity to build momentum and combinations ahead of the 2026/27 domestic season.

Hoekstra’s selection in the team and his performances have promoted plenty of support from former clubmates at Koonwarra-RSL and from the cricket fraternity generally

“A big congratulations to Harry Hoekstra making the vic squad! We are all incredibly proud of you Harry and wish you luck,” said the Koonwarra-Leongatha RSL CC last week.

Koonwarra-Leongatha RSL Cricket Club President Nick Arnup said the club was delighted to see Harry making progress in a sport he has been obsessed with from a very young age.

“Yeah, he was a skinny little kid who just loved his cricket. Wanted to play 24/7, during the winter as well,” said Arnup this week.

“He even umpired football in the off-season to keep himself fit for cricket. He’s always love it.

“Yeah, he played all his juniors here and seniors too but he’s been down at Casey a good three or more years now.

“But, for sure, still strongly connected down here. His grandparents are life members of the club. His uncles and cousins play here.

“He’ll come down when we’re having a T20 game or something for a catch-up and a few beers.

“He had a growth spurt a few years ago, played for the Australian Under 19s and the Victorian Under 19s and now he’s really starting to fill out, gain his strength and he’s on the list with Victoria. It’s great to see.

“Yeah, people around the club have been tuning in. I think it’s on 7plus Sport or something which I haven’t been able to find but, yeah, a few messages and posts have been flying around about how they’re going and what he’s been doing.

“Everyone wishes him well of course. It’s been great to see his progress.”