THE Seymour Club Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) cricket season is set to kick off on Saturday 11 October with seven sides vying for the premiership in the A grade competition. Avenel joins the A grade ranks following a dominant, title-winning season in the B grade in 2024-25, with five T20 matches included in the 18 round fixture.
Tallarook, the powerhouse of the competition once again flexed its muscle in the 2024-25 season, just clinching top spot following the end of the home and away season before a dominant finals campaign that culminated in a convincing win over Yea in the grand final.
However, it was far from one way traffic for Tallarook, who dropped four games throughout the regular season. While Andrew Dundon continues as coach, Lachlan Watts has stood down as A grade captain, to be replaced by eight time premiership player Kal Winnell.
After finishing third in 2024-25, Yea took care of Seymour in a very close semi-final before going down to Tallarook in the grand final. They once again loom as a top challenger for the premiership.
Club legend Cam Armstrong has taken on the A grade coaching responsibilities and will be looking to play a big part on field to drive Yea into the grand final once again. Marc Steiner put in some big performances toward the back end of the season and with both Steiner and Armstrong firing, Yea will be as tough a match up as they come.
Former junior Jack Christie returns to Tigerland this season and will add some class to both the batting and bowling line ups.
Seymour topped the ladder for a fair period of last season, before ultimately finishing second and being defeated by Yea in a high scoring semi-final.
Retaining most of their list from last season, Seymour will be led by Braidon Horkings who was a potent force with the ball, well supported by Daniel Bergowicz, Hugh Smith, Lachlan Drummond and Brodey Pointon.
Last season was a historic one for Pyalong, playing finals for the first time since joining the A grade competition.
James Hadjiloukas had an immediate impact with the bat in his first season in the SDCA, making over 250 runs for the season. Having shown his quality, he will lead the club as coach for the 2025-26 campaign.
Despite a slow start to the season, Alexandra was able to record some big wins, including a stirring victory over Tallarook, who they bundled out for just 85 on the eve of finals.
With plenty of young talent, Alexandra will be a tough read ahead of the 2025-26 season. Young gun Matthew Wal finished tenth in the competition for runs and James Meggitt just ticked over 200 runs at a more than handy average.
It is with the ball that Alexandra will be looking to add some firepower and consistency. James Geldart led the attack well when on the park and if they’re able to put their best side on the field week in, week out, they’ll certainly be challenging for a top four finish.
There will once again be beauty in Puckapunyal’s unpredictability this season, with strong numbers on the training track ahead of round one.
With both A and B grade sides fielded this season, Puckapunyal has shown great growth and could have some emerging talents in its ranks, dependent on the ongoing rotations through the army base.
After a dominant B grade season, Avenel is once again making the step up into the A grade competition to test itself against the best.
Across 2024-25, Avenel only dropped a single game and capped off a mighty year with the premiership. They head into the top tier with Travis Stefanos locked in as captain-coach, fresh off the back of 405 runs at an average of close to 60. Not far behind him was Gus Leunig who racked up 367 runs at a touch over 40.
With the ball, Avenel was also dominant, as Jamie Kanters led all B grade players with 30 wickets, Christian Papi in second with 25 and Oliver Valladares with 20, in fourth.
