2025-26 Seymour Club SDCA Season Preview

October 2, 2025

The Seymour Club 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.


With the season upon us, check out how all seven sides are shaping up ahead of Round 1. The question on everyone’s lips is whether the Tallarook juggernaut can be stopped as it seeks to win four consecutive premierships for the first time in its history, with both Yea and Seymour launching serious challenges over the past 12 months.


Tallarook

2024-25 Position: Premiers


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.

Tallarook’s batting depth will remain a strength in 2025-26, with Josh Rudge leading all comers last season with 688 runs and Lachlan Watts (388 runs), Mitch Itter (384 runs) and Leigh Irving (281 runs), all finishing in the Top 10 runscorers last season.

With the ball Watts, Blake Munari O’Dwyer, Sam Manchester and Kal Winnell all collected over 15 scalps and the bowling stocks will be boosted by the addition of Xavier Arandt who returns to Tallarook following a year at Nagambie.

Once again, will be tough to beat but have a couple of clubs breathing down their neck and eager to knock them off their perch.


Yea Tigers

2024-25 Position: Grand Finalists


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, with plenty of experience in their line-up, supported by strong junior talent.

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.

They will again be skippered by Andrew Butterworth who put together a solid season with the bat but shone with the ball, finishing with 27 wickets at 8.48. He formed a potent spin combination with up and coming leg spinner Edison Waghorn who snagged 22 wickets of his own as a bottom age Under 16 player. Waghorn looks set for a big career and Armstrong is also bullish about Thomas White’s prospects, another junior last season who took 18 wickets in the A Grade competition.

Former junior Jack Christie returns to Tigerland this season and will add some class to both the batting and bowling line ups.

The Tigers know what it takes to have an impact in finals cricket and will be a team to watch again in 2025-26.


Seymour

2024-25 Position: Semi-Finalist


The Maroons 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.

With the bat, it was Drummond who stood above the rest, finishing the regular season with the second most runs in the competition. Veteran Jason Brown wound back the clock once again, notching over 300 runs in a fantastic season.

Seymour prides itself on fielding a side each week with great depth across all departments. They managed to beat eventual Premiers twice during the season and have quality performers throughout their squad.

They’ll be looking for a couple of players to step their games up a notch to challenge for the premiership but once again they are as good a chance as any at finishing the year with the top prize.


Pyalong

2024-25 Position: Semi-Finalist


Last season was a historic one for Pyalong, playing finals for the first time since joining the A Grade competition. Despite going down to Tallarook in the Semi-Final there are plenty of positives to take away from last season.

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.

Daniel Sowden also stood out through the middle order, making over 300 runs at an average of just under 45, allowing Pyalong to put defendable scores on the board most weeks.

With the ball it was more of a challenge with Matthew Pratt and Mitch Wittig the only two players to finish in the top 20 wicket tackers in the competition.

While they may not head into the season as premiership favourites, on their day Pyalong looks to be a threat for any team in the competition.


Alexandra

2024-25 Position: Fifth

 

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, with a high score of 92, 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 4 finish.

The future looks bright at Leckie Park with the Alexandra faithful hoping to see another great year of development for the Redbacks.


Puckapunyal

2024-25 Position: Sixth


There will once again be beauty in Puckapunyal’s unpredictability this season, with strong numbers on the training track ahead of Round 1.

Sam Pullen lit up the B Grade competition in 2023-24, including a blistering 105 at Seymour early in the 2024-25 season. Following his departure, Puckapunyal fell away but certainly did not disgrace themselves in their first season in the top flight.

With both A and B Grade sides fielded this season, Puckapunyal has shown great growth and could have some emerging talents in their ranks, dependent on the ongoing rotations through the Army Base.

For stability, they’ll be looking at Jacob Nipperess, who was their best performer with the ball and is capable of troubling the opposition’s top order, and Joel Baker, a reliable performer with the bat and behind the sticks.

It will very much be a matter of wait and see with Puckapunyal, but they could certainly cause some upsets.


Avenel

2024-25 Position: B Grade Premiers



After a dominant B Grade season, Avenel is once again making the step up into the A Grade competition to test themselves 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.

Avenel’s last foray in the A Grade competition in 2023-24 only netted two wins and a bottom of the ladder finish but they look to be a much more polished outfit with some talented youngsters in their ranks.

Look out for Avenel as a surprise packet with the potential to build something special in the years ahead.

All Girls Cricket League Returns for Second Season

September 17, 2026
Puckapunyal, Tallarook, Yea and the SDCA All Stars will again take to the field in 2026–27 as the Association continues its push to create more opportunities for girls to play cricket across the region. Launched last summer as the SDCA’s first dedicated all-girls competition, the league was established to provide an accessible and enjoyable introduction to cricket while building a longer-term pathway for female players. The competition will again use the Master Blaster format, with soft-ball matches designed to maximise participation and ensure every player gets an opportunity to bat and bowl. Games are played over 12 overs per side, with players batting in pairs for four overs and bowling two overs each. Double runs are available through a Power Play Zone, while a ball is hit from a tee following a wide or no-ball to keep matches moving. SDCA President Mitch Itter said having all four teams return was an encouraging sign for the future of girls’ cricket in the district. “It was fantastic to launch the All Girls Cricket League last season, but the really important part is making sure it becomes an ongoing opportunity for girls across our region,” Itter said. “To have Puckapunyal, Tallarook, Yea and the SDCA All Stars all returning for another season gives us a great foundation to continue building from. “The format is deliberately focused on participation. Every girl gets to bat, every girl gets to bowl and you don’t need to have played cricket before to get involved. “We want girls to be able to come along with their friends, enjoy themselves, learn the game and hopefully develop a lifelong connection with cricket.” The return of the competition forms part of a broader focus on junior participation within the SDCA, with the Association also planning Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 competitions for the coming season. The SDCA hopes the All Girls League can continue to grow in the years ahead and provide a pathway for more girls to transition into junior and eventually senior cricket. Girls interested in joining the competition are encouraged to contact Puckapunyal, Tallarook or Yea Cricket Clubs, or enquire about joining the SDCA All Stars.  Further information is available from the SDCA at pres.sdca@gmail.com .

Watts and Armstrong Back to Lead SDCA Representative Side

September 17, 2026
The Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) has locked in its leadership team for the 2026–27 representative campaign, with Lachlan Watts and Cameron Armstrong returning as captain and Head Coach. The pair will again lead the SDCA against the Emu Valley Cricket Association (EVCA), with a return fixture confirmed for Sunday, 21 February 2027 in Bendigo. Watts and Armstrong combined to lead the SDCA to victory in its return to senior representative cricket earlier this year, defeating Emu Valley by 56 runs in the inaugural McIvor Challenge at Chittick Park. Watts produced a remarkable individual performance in the victory, falling just short of a century with 99 before taking 4/40 from nine overs and two catches. The Tallarook all-rounder went on to earn selection in the 2025–26 Victorian Country Cricket League Men’s Team of the Year after scoring 620 runs at an average of 88.57 and taking 12 wickets at 16.50 during the season. Armstrong will again take charge as Head Coach after overseeing the SDCA’s successful return to representative cricket last season. The experienced Yea cricketer also enjoyed an outstanding season on the field, winning the SDCA A Grade batting award with 294 runs at an average of 98. SDCA President Mitch Itter said retaining Watts and Armstrong provided continuity as the Association looks to build on last season’s representative success. “Lachlan and Cam were outstanding in leading the group last season, so we’re thrilled to have them both back for another representative campaign,” Itter said. “They are two of the most respected figures in our competition and both have a genuine passion for representative cricket and seeing the best players in our association come together. “Lachlan led from the front in every sense last year. His performance against Emu Valley was exceptional, and his subsequent selection in the VCCL Team of the Year reinforced the calibre of player we have captaining our Association. “Cam brings an enormous amount of experience and cricket knowledge to the coaching role and did a fantastic job bringing the group together last season. “Having both of them return gives us some important continuity as we look to build on what we started last year.” The February clash will see the SDCA travel to Bendigo after hosting the inaugural fixture at Chittick Park, continuing the developing representative rivalry between the two associations. “It was fantastic to bring senior representative cricket back last season, but we don’t want it to be a one-off,” Itter said. “Getting the return fixture locked in is another important step towards making representative cricket an ongoing part of the SDCA calendar.  “We’re looking forward to heading to Bendigo in February and giving our players another opportunity to represent the SDCA.”

SDCA Releases 2026/27 Senior Fixture

September 17, 2026
The Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) has released its 2026/27 senior fixture , with Grand Final rematches in both grades headlining the opening round on Saturday 10 October. Seymour and Tallarook will renew their rivalry in a rematch of last season’s A Grade Grand Final, while Alexandra and Pyalong will meet again following their clash in the B Grade decider. The opening round will also be the first of four T20 double-header rounds scheduled throughout the season, bringing A and B Grade teams together at the same venue for a full day of senior cricket. The first two rounds of the season will be played as T20 double-headers, with another scheduled immediately before the Christmas break and the fourth to welcome players back after Christmas. B Grade matches will open each double-header before A Grade takes centre stage later in the afternoon, giving clubs an opportunity to bring their senior teams and supporters together at the one venue. Outside the four T20 rounds, the fixture has been structured so A and B Grade teams are generally drawn at opposite venues, helping spread senior cricket across grounds and balance home and away commitments. Seven clubs will contest A Grade in 2026/27 – Alexandra, Avenel, Puckapunyal, Pyalong, Seymour, Tallarook and Yea – while B Grade will feature those clubs alongside the Seymour 59ers. The senior home-and-away season will run across 18 rounds, beginning on Saturday 10 October and concluding on Saturday 6 March before the SDCA finals series. SDCA President Mitch Itter said the fixture provided an exciting start to the new season. “Having both Grand Final rematches in the opening round gives us a fantastic way to start the season and immediately renew two of the biggest contests from last summer,” Itter said. “The T20 double-headers are also a real feature of the fixture. Having both senior grades together gives clubs the opportunity to create a bigger day at the cricket and build a great atmosphere around their grounds. “We’ve worked hard to produce a fixture that balances the different requirements of A and B Grade while giving players, clubs and supporters plenty to look forward to across the season.”  The 2026/27 SDCA senior season begins on Saturday 10 October.