CRICKET is back for the 2026-27 season, with a bumper first week of action promised across the Gisborne District Cricket Association (GDCA) and Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA).
In McIntyre Cup, Wallan, Romsey and Eastern Hill will take its places, with Wallan back in for a second season, while Eastern Hill will look to make an impact straightaway after claiming the Johnstone Shield title last year.
Wallan will host Macedon at Greenhill Reserve as it looks to make a positive start to proceedings, while Eastern Hill face Woodend at Gilbert Gordon Oval in a battle of last year’s two respective premiers. Romsey will travel to Langama Park first up to take on Sunbury United.
Johnstone Shield’s big meeting to open proceedings sees those two old rivals, Kilmore and Broadford, do battle at the Kilmore Cricket Ground, while Lancefield will have a bye. The competition sees new teams, Riddell and Merrifield, make its way in the competition this season.
A big change sees Jensen Shield now split into four divisions, with a north and south division divided into A and B pools.
The women’s A grade competition will start the following Sunday, with Wallan and Lancefield making its mark in the competition once again, with Wallan defending champions.
Also starting the following week will be the SDCA, with competition starting on October 10.
The opening round sees a rematch of last year’s grand final, with Tallarook and Seymour doing battle, while Pyalong hosts Alexandra. Avenel and Yea take on one another, while Puckapunyal will have the bye.
