SDCA Sets Course for 2026–27 Season Following Annual General Meeting

August 7, 2026

The Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) has officially launched preparations for the 2026–27 season following a productive Annual General Meeting that confirmed the Association’s executive team and endorsed a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening cricket across the district.


Mitch Itter was re-elected as President and will continue in the dual role of Secretary, while Mark Nipperess was returned as Vice-President and Jacob Tarran was re-elected as Treasurer.


SDCA President Mitch Itter said the meeting highlighted the strong collaboration between clubs as planning ramps up for the upcoming season.


“It’s fantastic to have such strong support from our clubs as we head into another season. The AGM was a really positive meeting, with plenty of discussion and a clear focus on continuing to grow cricket across our region.”


The AGM saw clubs endorse a number of key competition updates for the season ahead.


Junior cricket is expected to return to traditional age groups, with Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 competitions planned for 2026–27. Current nominations indicate nine Under 12 teams, five Under 14 teams and five Under 16 teams, while the possibility of introducing an Under 10 competition will continue to be explored. Clubs also confirmed the continuation of the All Girls Cricket League, with four teams already expressing interest, while discussions also commenced on establishing an SDCA Junior Cricket Academy.


Senior cricket will begin on Saturday, 10 October, with the season opening in Twenty20 format. Additional standalone T20 fixtures have also been scheduled for 19 December and 9 January following the Christmas break.


The Association also endorsed several governance and playing condition changes, including the introduction of a 35-degree heat rule for junior cricket, payment of umpires prior to the toss, the establishment of an Umpire Coordinator role and the adoption of an Overage Permit Policy.


Mr Itter said the decisions made at the AGM reflected the Association’s commitment to providing opportunities for players of all ages.


“We’ve made some important decisions around both our senior and junior competitions that will help provide greater certainty for clubs as they prepare for the season ahead. There are some exciting opportunities on the horizon, particularly around junior participation and player development.”


“Seeing the All Girls Cricket League continue to build momentum and the discussion around establishing an SDCA Junior Cricket Academy is really encouraging. Creating more opportunities for young cricketers is something we’re committed to as an association.”


Mr Itter also thanked clubs and volunteers for their ongoing contribution to cricket across the Seymour district.


“I’d also like to thank all of our club delegates who attended the AGM and contributed to the discussions. The SDCA continues to be driven by its clubs, and the collaborative approach shown on Monday night will put us in a strong position for the 2026–27 season.”



“On behalf of the Association, I’d also like to thank everyone who has volunteered to serve on the executive this season as well as our club delegates. Cricket simply doesn’t happen without volunteers, and we’re looking forward to working with our clubs to deliver another successful summer of cricket.

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.