Picture supllied.Are you after a house with its own lift
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WA boy in Bendigo, happy to be in Central Victoria.
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Left: Eaglehawk celebrates a James Patton wicket and Sandun Rathnatunga plays a cut shot
Pictures by Enzo TomasielloSTRATHDALE-Maristians is poised to maintain top spot on the Bendigo District Cricket Association ladder after dominating Sandhurst with bat and ball on Saturday in the clash of 1st vs 2nd
All articles from our website & appThe digital version of Today's PaperBreaking news alerts direct to your inboxInteractive Crosswords
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAs the race for the finals heats up with three rounds remaining
round 10 is shaping as mighty pivotal given not only is 1st playing second
but third (Golden Square) is playing fourth (Strathfieldsaye) and fifth (Huntly North) is taking on sixth (Eaglehawk)
If you've followed the BDCA for long enough Saturday's strong bounceback performance from powerhouse Strathdale-Maristians would have come as no surprise
Having suffered a rare two losses in a row against Golden Square and Eaglehawk the previous fortnight the Suns were always expected to hit back hard against the Dragons - and that's exactly what they did
The Suns absorbed an early partnership from Sandhurst openers Shane Robinson and Tom Starr and then pounced
dismissing Sandhurst for just 121 at Bell Oval in a clinical performance with the ball
before the Suns closed the day at 1-100 and in complete control
"It was really pleasing to have a day like today; there's obviously still a bit of cricket ahead of us next week
but for our bowling unit in particular to play the way it did after being on the end of a couple of tough days lately was a great bounceback," Suns captain Cameron Taylor said
"I was really pleased with our fast bowlers on a day that wasn't ideal for fast bowlers (because of the heat)."
The innings was tracking along nicely early for the Dragons as openers Robinson and Starr laid the foundation
The pair got through to first drinks break without loss with the Dragons solidly placed at 0-52 after 15 overs
"We had a chat at drinks and spoke about being in the position where we could either let the game slip away or play our style of cricket and fight back and it was a really good effort from the bowling unit to get us into a good position," Taylor said
We had a chat at drinks and spoke about being in the position where we could either let the game slip away or play our style of cricket and fight back and it was a really good effort from the bowling unit to get us into a good position
The Suns' first breakthrough came in the 18th over when Starr (41) was caught by Daniel Clohesy at deep mid-wicket off Will Purcell
And from there it became a procession of Sandhurst wickets as what had been 0-62 quickly became 1-62
9-113 and all out in the 53rd over for 121
Fellow opener Robinson (21) fell two overs after Starr
with Purcell claiming the first two scalps on his way to figures of 2-35 from nine overs
Leg-spinner Taylor was the Suns' leading wicket-taker with 4-35 off 20.2 overs to now have 29 for the season
Two of Taylor's four wickets were the caught and bowled dismissals of Sandhurst captain Dylan Gibson (11) and Taylor Beard (16)
who was unable to replicate his heroics with the bat from 12 months earlier at Bell Oval when he made 121 after coming in with Sandhurst reeling at 4-12
12 of the 35 runs Taylor conceded came in consecutive deliveries during his 15th over when Lewis Williams (14) launched consecutive sixes
Ash Gray was run out for three by James Vlaeminck in the 28th over
Having knocked the Dragons over cheaply it left the Suns with 29 overs to bat for the day and they made the most of the opportunity to reach 1-100 and needing just 22 more runs when play resumes next Saturday
The only wicket to fall was opener Daniel Clohesy with what was a rare cheap dismissal this season for eight
We've looked into the crystal ball to forecast our final BDCA top four
Clohesy was superbly caught one-handed in the gully by Liam Stubbings diving low to his left off Beard (1-20)
Taylor went to stumps unbeaten on 61 after having a slice of luck late in the day when he chopped on and was bowled by Matthew Scott (0-11) off a no-ball in the shadows of stumps
Grant Waldron (21 n.o.) will resume the run chase with Taylor next Saturday
The days's highest score came from the side on the bottom of the ladder - White Hills
The Demons made the most of winning the toss and batting
posting 8-282 against Bendigo at Atkins Street
The cornerstone of the Demons' innings was a 152-run stand for the third wicket between Englishman Kyle Welsh and skipper Caleb Barras
They started their partnership in the 10th over with the Demons 2-43 after Dylan Johnstone had removed openers Ollie Geary (26) and Rhys Irwin (17)
Welsh top scored for the Demons with 80 off 186 balls with eight boundaries and one six
while Barras compiled 74 off 148 deliveries featuring nine fours and one six
it was good to get a few runs today; it has been a bit of a long year (161 runs from eight innings before Saturday) and I just tried to stay out there as long as possible with Welshy and we managed to set up a fairly decent score," Barras said
With 282 to defend it puts the Demons well-placed in their hunt for what would be just their second win of the season
with their only victory so far coming against Kangaroo Flat in round one
"Our work at training has been top notch and I suppose it does become fairly disheartening when things on game day just don't go our way," Barras said
"I've been fairly critical of myself in not being able to get the scores on the board as consistently as I would have liked
but I do know the talent we have in the side
especially at the top of the order to bat a long time and then let the lower order come in and feast at the end
so it was nice to get a whole team contribution today
"On that wicket today we probably needed somewhere between 270 and 300 to be really competitive and Bendigo has obviously got some class players we need to be wary of
but next week is a great opportunity for our bowlers."
Our work at training has been top notch and I suppose it does become fairly disheartening when things on game day just don't go our way
Welsh's score of 80 was his fourth above 50 from nine innings this season and takes his tally of runs to 392
"He is hitting the ball really well; he was actually a bit deshearted today that he faced so many balls
but his innings was really important for us
"He said it was probably 10 to 15 degrees hotter than anything he has batted in before
so we had to keep each other going out there
"He just works so hard at training and is always hitting extra balls and it's really good to see him doing well and enjoying his cricket."
Off-spinner Kyle Humphrys (4-68) and Johnstone (3-51) combined for seven wickets for the Goers
while Lachie Nicholson (0-18) was stiff not to dismiss Welsh on 43 when he was put down by skipper James Ryan at first slip after the nick deflected off the glove of wicket-keeper Pat Blandford
The impressive form of Huntly North skipper Ryan Grundy continued as his Power posted 256 against Eaglehawk at Canterbury Park - a game where the prize for the winner will likely be a position in the top four at the end of the round
Having made two centuries in his previous three innings - taking his career tally to 15 - Grundy looked on track to post triple figures again
but fell 10 short when dismissed for 90 off 113 balls with nine fours and two sixes
38 and 90 in his past four hits - was caught at point by Josh Williams off Aaron Monro
That's now 11 times this season a player has either been dismissed or left stranded not out in the "nervous 90s"
the Power also got a fighting 62 from No.4 Sandun Rathnatunga
On a day when the temperature reached just a tick under 37 degrees
Rathnatunga batted for 144 balls in making 62
The Power had been 8-209 before Rathnatunga teamed with Shane Gilchrist (17) and No.11 Tommi Raukola (4 n.o.) to add a valuable 47 runs for the last two wickets
Monro had his best day with the ball for the season in capturing 4-19 off 10.1 overs
with his scalps including not only Grundy and Rathnatunga (lbw)
but also Zimbabwean Test player Milton Shumba (c Shaun Knott
No.4 Tom Campbell anchored Golden Square's innings against Strathfieldsaye at Wade Street in a pivotal game where the winner will climb to second
with Campbell showing tremendous determination in a 205-ball innings
coming in with the Bulldogs 2-48 in the 12th over and not departing until the score had reached 169 in the 72nd
Earlier, following his explosive 114 off 44 balls against Strathdale-Maristians the previous week there would have been a big sigh of relief among the Jets' players when Chathura Damith bowled Golden Square coach Tim Wood for 35 in the ninth over
Wood's 35 came off 27 balls with four boundaries
Coming off the BDCA'S Twenty20 title earlier in the week
the Jets had three multiple wicket-takers in left-arm spinner Savith Priyan (3-62)
Damith (2-37) and skipper Campbell Love (2-50)
Bendigo United has a competitive score of 8-254 to defend in its rumble against Kangaroo Flat at Dower Park
The Redbacks' innings got off to a disastrous start when opener Marcus Mangiameli was caught by a diving Daniel Barber at mid-on off Luke Stagg (2-36) first ball of the day
knocks from a determined Riley Treloar (69 off 202)
Hugh Behrens (33 n.o.) and WIll Pinniger (29) ensured the Redbacks surpassed 250 for only the second time this season
All six bowlers used took a wicket for the Roos in what's a game that features two father-son duos playing - Adam and Riley Burns at Kangaroo Flat and Heath and Hugh Behrens at Bendigo United
The BDCA was again treated to one of the great bowler v batsman main event battles in the competition's history of Adam Burns v Heath Behrens (9)
While Burns (1-60) didn't claim Behrens' wicket
he did catch him off the bowling of Aidan White (1-19)
UNITED pummeled the highest score in the Emu Valley Cricket Association for eight seasons in what could be best described as a team effort against Axe Creek on Saturday
At first glance upon seeing United's score of 441 your reaction may well have been to ponder which player - or players - have scored big hundreds
Instead the Tigers had four players score half-centuries
with opener Mitch Blackman's 90 the top score
On a hot day the Cowboys weren't tracking along too bad with the ball when they had United 3-67 in the 28th over with the trio of Liam Oberin (0)
Pat Hartney (17) and Ashley Mayo (17) all dismissed
with Daniel Dixon having taken all three wickets
But that's as good as it got for the Cowboys as over the remainder of the day - 47 overs - the Tigers scored a remarkable 7-374
Those last 374 runs came at a run-rate of 7.95 per over at Ewing Park
the Tigers also has captain Hary Whittle (86 off 58)
Mac Whittle (60 off 33) and Joe Hartney (50 off 34) raise their bats during the innings
The biggest of the partnerships was the 133 Blackman and Harry Whittle put on for the fourth wicket as they took the score from 3-67 to 200 in just 16 overs
Whittle's 86 that featured 11 boundaries and three sixes was his sixth score above 50 from nine innings this season and he now has 501 runs at an average of 83.5
Tom Calvert (45 off 34) and James Smith (40 off 34) also kept the runs ticking over for the Tigers
whose innings included 48 boundaries and 10 sixes hit
The Tigers reached 441 without using their full allotment of overs having been bowled out with three balls remaining in their innings
The last time an EVCA division one team made more than 440 in a game was in round 10 of the 2016-17 season when United smashed 6-535 against Marong
Following his three early wickets Dixon finished with 6-135 off 20.3 overs for Axe Creek - the second season in a row he has taken a six-for against the Tigers
The last seven batsmen in the order for United - Harry Whittle (148.2)
Tyler James (158.3) and Shannon Murphy (142.8) - all had strike rates of at least 117 as they combined for 310 runs off 212 balls
* Addy MVP leader Bailey Ilsley played a starring role with the ball for Sedgwick in its match of the round against Mandurang
Mandurang compiled 256 against the ladder-leading Rams
whose bowling attack was led by a five-wicket haul by Ilsley
All-rounder Ilsley - the reigning EVCA champion player - snared 5-63 off 15 overs
taking his season tally to 23 wickets to go with 386 runs
It was Ilsley's second five-wicket haul of the season having also captured 5-59 against United in round four
The chief run-scorers for the Rangas - who one stage had been 1-104 - were the trio of Chris Williamson (63)
The Rams dismissed competition leading run-scorer Linton Colclough cheaply
He was caught by wicket-keeper Sean Bell off Jordan Ilsley (2-40) for six
* Marong is well on track for victory against California Gully as the Panthers fight to regain their position in the top four and end their finals drought
The Panthers will resume day two next Saturday needing 94 more runs with 10 wickets in hand after going to stumps at 0-76 chasing the Cobras' 169
Jackson Stagg (49 n.o.) and Alex Gorrie (22 n.o.) are the not out batsmen for the Panthers after safely negotiating 23 overs before stumps at California Gully
Marong celebrates a wicket against California Gully on Saturday
the Cobras' lower-order dug in to get to 169 having been 7-76
The experienced duo of Brad Webster (52) and Geoff West (35) produced a much-needed 69-run partnership for the eighth wicket
while four Marong bowlers took multiple wickets led by Jayden Laubsch with 4-26 from 14 overs
* Spinner Beauden Rinaldi delivered the best figures by a Spring Gully bowler this season with 5-39 in the reigning premier's clash at home against Emu Creek
The Bush Chooks were bowled out for 193 after winning the toss
with class all-rounder Tyrone Downie again leading the way
Coming off knocks of 100 and 67 in his previous two innings
Downie again top-scored for Emu Creek with 57
Emu Creek had one stage been 2-106 before losing its last eight wickets for 87 runs to be all out in the 58th over
That left Spring Gully to face 14 overs before stumps
Skipper Jesse Marciano (36 n.o.) and Jayden Mannix (13 n.o.) will resume the innings next week
while Lachlan Brook (14) is the player dismissed having been bowled by Brett Russell (1-29)
Picture by Enzo TomasielloBEATING Strathdale-Maristians at this time of the year is a hard enough proposition in itself as the Suns' phenomenal Bendigo District Cricket Association finals record will attest to
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueBut having to do so also with the weather gods conspiring against you makes the task all the more difficult as Sandhurst learned on Sunday at the QEO in their first XI semi-final
which was looking like it could have been much more when they were 5-146 off 45 overs at the tea break
the Dragons' odds of toppling the powerhouse were largely reduced on Sunday when a rain delay forced the game to revert to ordinary conditions
With 75 minutes of play lost and day two reduced to a minimum of 63 overs
it opened the door for the top-of-the-ladder Suns to simply draw the game to advance to yet another grand final
And that's what transpired as the Suns showcased one of the key objectives of finishing as high on the ladder as possible - taking the ramifications of inclement weather out of the equation come finals time
While the Dragons did get 74 overs in at the Suns before the 5.30pm cut-off time
it wasn't enough to get the 10 wickets needed
with Strathdale-Maristians finishing at 5-206
drawing the game and progressing to the grand final this weekend against Strathfieldsaye
It was a wild weekend of weather for the semi-finals
with Sunday's wet weather and windy conditions coming after the temperature in Bendigo on Saturday for day one had peaked at just under 39 degrees
"At the end of the day you can't do anything about the weather," a pragmatic Sandhurst captain Dylan Gibson said
We weren't in the greatest of form after Christmas
but to make the finals in what felt like the tightest season I've played in for a long time was a really good effort
Strathdale-Maristians and Sandhurst players pull the QEO covers off before on Sunday
Pictures by Enzo Tomasiello"I thought with 235 on the board that had we got our full 85 overs with the ball it would have been a really good contest
"We also know though that Strathdale is such a good batting unit and you need everything to go your way to beat them and
We also know though that Strathdale is such a good batting unit and you need everything to go your way to beat them and
"But they batted really well in what were very trying conditions
The Dragons were unable to get over the line despite another masterclass of leg-spin bowling from superstar Liam Bowe
For the sixth time this season Bowe took a five-wicket haul
finishing with 5-62 off 28 overs to end the season with a phenomenal 51 scalps
"He's taken 51 wickets and you'd say he was pretty stiff not to take more as well," said Gibson
"He has just bowled out of his skin and is an absolute class above
He has had an incredible season and showed again today what he can do..
we took five wickets and he took all of them
"I felt the rest of our unit bowled pretty well today without the reward
It's the second year in a row Sandhurst has bowed out in the semi-final after losing to Kangaroo Flat at the same stage last season
It's the first time since 1981-82 and 1982-83 the Dragons have made the first XI finals in consecutive seasons
it's familiar territory for Strathdale-Maristians this weekend with the Suns having qualified for their sixth-consecutive first XI grand final
it's the club's 14th grand final in the past 17 years
"You never take a grand final for granted..
these are the games you want to play in and we've spent the whole season trying to get there," Suns' captain Cameron Taylor said
"It's really good to tick the box of getting there and
we've got one really good game of cricket left in us for the season."
Taylor - who topped the Addy's MVP rankings for this season - proved the biggest stumbling block for the Dragons on Sunday
with the captain batting through all 74 overs of play to finish 78 n.o
"Our approach today was like a fairly normal innings to be honest," Taylor said of the game becoming ordinary conditions and a draw being enough to advance
"It was just the part of the game where if you were 50-50 about taking a risk today wasn't the day to be taking that risk
"We were still very mindful of trying to score and making sure we were busy because you didn't want to get stuck just defending and making life harder for yourself."
At Golden Square's Wade Street Strathfieldsaye was able to defy the weather gods to win its way through to a chance to vie for its first flag in the first XI since 2000-01
Once the Golden Square v Strathfieldsaye game became ordinary conditions with a minimum of 63 overs to be bowled on Sunday it increased the pressure on the lower-ranked Jets
But after day two play finally got under way 90 minutes late at 1.30pm on Sunday they had few dramas in chasing down Golden Square's 189
answering with 3-190 to win by seven wickets
The cornerstone of the Jets' run chase was half-centuries to player of the match Savith Priyan (58)
"We were probably up against it there for a while not knowing how much time and overs we were going to lose," Love said
"But on the other hand it probably allowed us to play a bit more positively
We have a couple of blokes who relish playing positively in Pat (Felmingham) and Chatty (Chathura Damith)
so it suited us in the end to have to hurry along a bit
so we had to play positive and it was a good day."
This weekend will be the Jets' fourth first XI grand final in their BDCA history
the Suns have been their opponents in all four: 2001 (won via ordinary conditions)
For Golden Square it was a missed opportunity on two fronts given the Bulldogs would have advanced to the grand final had the game ended in a rain-affected draw
but they also squandered a solid position on day one with the bat
Golden Square having been 3-90 at tea after winning the toss and batting was later 5-181 before losing its last five wickets for just eight runs to be bowled out for 189 with 26 balls still left unused in its innings
"We gave ourselves a platform to capitalise and push on above 200 to give ourselves a red-hot crack
but we fell away late with the bat," Square captain Liam Smith said
"Strathfieldsaye is a really good bowling side
but from the position we were in we certainly left quite a few runs out there
View +29 PhotosPictures by Enzo Tomasiello"And then today the way Lovey and Savi (Priyan) batted
they ran so well between the wickets together and put a lot of pressure on our fielders
little things like that where they put us under pressure and were able to keep the momentum going
"I definitely don't think it was our effort
it was just a really good partnership between Lovey and Savi that took it away from us."
Although falling one step short of playing in a grand final
it has been a massive step forward this season for the Bulldogs
Before the weekend Golden Square hadn't played in a first XI final since 2018-19 and not only won enough games (seven) to return to the finals
but to finish second and earn a home semi-final
probably more so given we've beaten all the teams in the top four," said Smith
who ends a brilliant season individually with 437 runs and 31 wickets
"It didn't feel like we were making the numbers up all; we've shown our best cricket is good enough
but unfortunately this weekend it just didn't go our way."
10 points per catch and 15 points per run out or stumping
White Hills is celebrating two premierships after capturing the second and third XI flags over the weekend
The Demons defeated Golden Square by 45 runs in the second XI grand final and were declared the winners courtesy of their higher ladder finish after a rain-affected draw against Strathfieldsaye in the third XI grand final
...................................................................
White Hills 5-102 dr Strathfielsaye 9-166 (White Hills win courtesy of higher finish)
White Hills' third XI premiership team....................................................................
Strathdale-Maristians 228 def Strathfieldsaye 98
Eaglehawk's under-18 premiership team
Picture by Eaglehawk CC...................................................................
Huntly North 9-134 def Strathfieldsaye 104
Spring Gully 0-20 dr Sedgwick 126 (Spring Gully advances)
Axe Creek 6-147 def Bendigo Strikers 7-133
Picture by Enzo TomasielloSTRATHDALE-Maristians will play in a remarkable sixth-consecutive Bendigo District Cricket Association first XI grand final
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueFollowing a semi-final weekend of wildly contrasting weather it's the Suns and Strathfieldsaye that have earned the right to battle for the first XI premiership
Following a stifling day on Saturday when Bendigo's temperature peaked at just under 39 degrees
on Sunday both semi-finals were delayed by rain and became ordinary conditions matches
At the QEO where Sunday's day two didn't begin until 1.15pm the top-of-the-ladder Suns chasing Sandhurst's 235 simply had to survive the minimum of 63 overs to force a draw and book their grand final berth
at Golden Square Strathfieldsaye defeated the Bulldogs by seven wickets to set up a crack at winning its first premiership since 2001
At the QEO Strathdale-Maristians' captain Cameron Taylor carried his bat as the Suns forced a draw to move through to another grand final
Following the 75 minute delay Taylor batted for 245 balls in making a determined 78 n.o
with he and fellow opener Daniel Clohesy (44) getting the Suns away to just the start they needed with a 90-run opening stand
Clohesy's 44 off 81 featured four boundaries and one six
while in an encouraging sign for the Suns heading into the grand final Jack Neylon having been hampered by a broken thumb late in the season looked in ominous touch with a 29-ball cameo of 40 that featured 36 runs coming in fours (six) and sixes (two)
Star Sandhurst leg-spinner Liam Bowe surpassed 50 wickets for the season with his haul of 5-62 off 28 overs
while for the second year in a row the Dragons bow out in a semi-final
In the weekend's other BDCA first XI semi-final Golden Square made 189 on Saturday
before Sunday's play - like at the QEO - was trimmed to 63 overs after a late start where the Bulldogs would have advanced had the game ended in an ordinary conditions draw
reaching 3-190 in the 55th over to advance to the decider against the Suns
Having had an impact with the ball on day one by taking four wickets
all-rounder Savith Priyan backed up with the bat on Sunday
The opener compiled a half-century in making 58 off 121 balls in one of three key knocks for the Jets
Hard-hitting opener Pat Felmingham got the Jets away to a brisk start with a quickfire 33 off 21 balls with five fours and one six
while skipper Campbell Love later played a fine captain's knock
Love finished unbeaten on 70 from 155 balls
coming in with his side 2-51 and guiding the Jets to victory
with Strathfieldsaye creating an opportunity now to complement its Twent20 flag earlier this season with the first XI flag
Dylan Robinson (2-49) and Scott Trollope (1-45) took the three wickets for Golden Square
which will being disappointed to fall one step short of the grand final will be able to look back on this season as a massive step forward following six-consecutive years out of the finals
in the Emu Valley Cricket Association Spring Gully will get the chance to vie for a third-straight division one flag
Spring Gully bowled Sedgwick out for 126 in their semi-final and were 0-20 at stumps on day one
before play was abandoned on day two without a ball bowled
With a draw the Crows advance courtesy of finishing on top of the ladder
And in the other semi-final between United and Mandurang
which became an ordinary conditions game after two hours of play were lost on Sunday
After United made 258 on Saturday the Rangas had a maximum of 45 overs to chase the target down and didn't go down without a fight
The Rangas were all out for 224 in the 43rd over against a Tigers' line-up spearheaded by Kane Goldsworthy
Goldsworthy bagged 7-122 off 21 overs as the Tigers won by 34 runs
No.3 Corey Dickins with 62 off 58 top-scored for Mandurang
Sandhurst has posted 235 after winning the toss and batting against the Suns
The Dragons had looked poised to post well above 250 when they were 6-229 before collapsing late
losing 4-6 to be bowled out in the 76th over
Skipper Cameron Taylor and Sam Johnston split the last four wickets two apiece for the reigning premier Suns
The wicket that sparked the collapse of the Dragons was the key dismissal of Taylor Beard
who was Sandhurst's standout batsman of the day
striking nine boundaries and two sixes after coming in with the Dragons 3-60 in the 28th over
It was Taylor who claimed Beard's scalp when he had him caught by Will Purcell
Beard was one of two players to make a half-century for the Dragons
The best partnership of the innings was the 84 Beard and Jasper Langley (31) put on for the sixth wicket that took the score from 5-133 to 6-217
striking six boundaries among his first 11 scoring shots
Johnston (4-60) and Taylor (3-72) combined for seven wickets for the Suns
who also had Purcell (2-44) chip in with two as well
Ash Gray had looked in ominous touch for the Dragons in cracking two sixes and a four in racing to 17 before holing out to James Vlaeminck off Taylor 10 minutes before tea
Taylor, Ilsley top BDCA, EVCA MVP rankings: How did every other player go?
The Sri Lankan duo of Chathura Damith and Savith Priyan took four wickets each for Strathfieldsaye as the Jets bowled Golden Square out for 189
Golden Square today ended what had been the longest current finals drought in the BDCA first XI
with this the first time the Bulldogs have played finals since 2018-19
Golden Square coach Tim Wood - playing against his former side - had the ball zinging around Wade Street early
The hard-hitting opener scored 50 of Golden Square's first 58 runs in a 44-ball knock that was laced with seven fours and one six
Wood's 50 was the top score for the Bulldogs
Tom Campbell narrowly missed out on a semi-final half-century with a knock of 49
while other contributions came from Connor Miller (30)
Jake Higgins (27) and skipper Liam Smith (20)
who was dismissed on the final ball before the tea break by Jack Bell (1-23)
Miller showed enormous application in the hot conditions to bat for 170 balls in making his 30 before he was one of Priyan's four wickets when dismissed lbw
Left-arm spinner Priyan was brilliant for the Jets in both taking wickets and tying the Bulldogs down
bookending the innings by taking the first wicket of the day when he removed Square opener Mitch Kemp (1) in the third over
while later ending it with the dismissal of Dylan Robinson (0)
Stalwart Ben Devanny had a busy day in the field taking four catches
Square had been 5-181 before its last five wickets tumbled for just eight runs to be all out in the 81st over
View +26 PhotosPictures by Enzo TomasielloSPRING GULLY v SEDGWICKSedgwick was unable to capitalise on winning the toss and batting first in its EVCA semi against two-time defending premier Spring Gully
The Rams were knocked over for just 126 by the Crows
whose strong bowling performance was led by their standout player of the season in spinner Beauden Rinaldi
which included the big scalp of Sedgwick's hard-hitting dangerman Jordan Ilsley for six
All five bowlers used by the Crows took a wicket
vice-captain Alex Sutton 1-11 and Nick Skeen 1-32
Only opener Bailey Ilsley (32) and captain Matt Dwyer (24) passed 20 for the Rams
who after being 5-106 lost their last five wickets for just 20 runs
Spring Gully went to stumps at 0-20 from nine overs
Opener Mitch Blackman was the backbone of United's 258 against Mandurang at Ewing Park
Blackman batted for 153 balls in compiling 72 for the Tigers
Blackman and Kane Goldsworthy (34) got the Tigers away to a solid start with a 69-run partnership for the opening wicket
Mandurang's Callum Thompson after dismissing United's Kane Goldsworthy
Picture by Enzo TomasielloOnce Goldsworthy was dismissed the foundation continued to be laid with Blackman and Pat Hartney (23) adding 67 for the second wicket
The other key contributors through the United innings were 37 from skipper Harry Whittle and 36 by Jay McLeod - both at better than a run-a-ball
James Bailey was the best with the ball for Mandurang with 4-52 off 14 overs
Strathdale-Maristians remain the team to beat in the BDCA this season after knocking off Sandhurst in a top-of-the-table clash
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Suns' five-wicket victory puts them on top of the BDCA ladder for the first time this season as the Dragons moved ever so slightly back to the pack
Opening bowler Sam Johnston took 2-34 off 9 overs while Ben DeAraugo (2-22) and skipper Cameron Taylor (3-33) also snared multiple wickets as the Dragons
View +22 PhotosPictures by Darren HoweNo Dragon batter truly got away with Thomas Starr and Lewis Williams
Jasper Langley (30) and Taylor Beard (22) also got starts
Liam Bowe (15) and Matthew Scott (10 n.o) to give themselves something to bowl at
Suns captain Cam Taylor was happy to restrict the Dragons to 188
"Keeping sides under the 200 number is always in your head what you're aiming for
so we were really happy that we hit our spots and executed well," Taylor said
Strathdale-Maristians skipper Cameron Taylor bowling his leg-spin
Picture by Darren HoweAs well as being the pick of the Sun's bowlers
He and opening partner Daniel Clohesy (43) put on 94 before off-spinner Liam Stubbings had Clohesy caught behind trying to late cut
who fell to 5-130 with four of the wickets prized by spin while left-arm pacer Ben Yarwood (1-37) had James Vlaeminck (9) caught off a full toss
the Sun's middle to lower order dragged them out of their predicament with Grant Waldron (33 n.o) and Matthew Wilkinson (30 n.o) producing a 61-run stand to ice the game with 32 balls remaining
Suns wicket-keeper Matthew Wilkinson celebrates
Picture by Darren Howe"We lost a couple of wickets
but we like the depth in our batting order
we knew we still had a few people up our sleeve and were confident," Taylor said
Huntly North proved they are a team to be reckoned with in the 2024-25 BDCA season
The Power have moved into the top-four following a three-wicket win over Eaglehawk
thanks to a classy century by captain Ryan Grundy
Grundy was only one of two Power batters to make double figures alongside Milton Shumba (40)
hitting 107 n.o off 129 balls to get his side home seven down and with eight balls to spare
It was Grundy's first score over 49 this season
with the Power stalwart saying he felt due for some runs
but I didn't feel like I was out of form; I was just getting out," Grundy said
"I got to about 30 and told Shane Gilchrist that it felt like my day today
and it was actually harder to bat at the end of my innings when they had their tail up with the ball reversing."
Picture by Enzo TomasielloThe Power lost Kyen Burrill-Grinton (3) and Sandun Rathnatunga (6) cheaply
who combined with Grundy for a 96-run partnership
It was at this stage that the Hawks found reverse swing
and the trajectory of the game changed sharply
Judd Gilchrist was out three balls later before Cameron McGlashan (2-39) took two wickets in two balls shortly after
Lewis Stabler would also fall victim to the collapse
Harry McCormick provided Grundy with the support he needed
it started reverse swinging and got quite tough
which is when they started taking a few wickets," Grundy said
"We were probably in front for most of the game until they got Milton out and took four wickets for not much to have us 7-167
so it was game on with the ball reverse swinging."
Earlier, Grundy won the toss and elected to bowl, which appeared to be the right call when Xavier Grant was trapped LBW by Shane Gilchrist (3-36) for a third ball duck, illustrating just how quickly cricket can change following Grant's century heroics in the Junior Country Week grand final on Thursday.
Harvey White (30) and Cameron McGlashan (20) gave the Hawks the ascendency
but minimal contributions from the lower order allowed the Power to restrict them to 8-181
but it probably didn't do as much as I hoped
so to restrict them to 180 on about a 200-par pitch shows we bowled pretty well," Grundy said
"Eaglehawk were a bit slow through their middle overs
so we thought at that stage if we can keep them under 190
"I'm happy with the performance overall as we knew this game and the next against Golden Square were pretty much 12-point matches."
The Power's clash with Golden Square in round eight will be a contest of third versus fourth after the Bulldogs set up the season-shaping match with a four-wicket victory over Strathfieldsaye
Square outgunned their opponents by four wickets in a low-scoring shootout
Sixteen wickets were taken in the afternoon at Wade Street
"It was an up and down pitch rather than any movement in the air," Square skipper Liam Smith said
"It was one of those wickets you either had to go really hard or look for the singles
"They played a few cross-bat shots that got us wickets courtesy of the variable bounce
Strathfieldsaye was rolled for 79 within 29.3 overs
Off-spinner Smith opened the bowling and was highly effective
while Scott Trollope had the ball on a string snaring 4-26 off 9 overs
Back for his first game in the ones this season
removing Savith Weerasinghe (14) and Jets skipper Campbell Love (3)
"Cal (Tibbett) is super consistent and has been a good A-grader bowler for a number of years
but he's always been one of those unlucky bowlers who'll bowl 15 overs for 20 with no luck," Smith said
"His bowling suited that wicket bowling a bit back of a length and utilising the variable bounce
so it's good to have him back in the side."
The conditions weren't any easier for the Square batsman following the innings break
with reigning BDCA player of the year Chathura Damith on fire
forced Connor Miller (7) to chop on and Kayle Thompson (5) chipping to cover to finish with figures of 3-13 off 9 overs
The Jets continued to make regular breakthroughs
Smith (21 n.o) and Ben Derrick (18 n.o) dragged the Bulldogs home
"I knew we were only one 30-run partnership away from winning even at 4-30 or 5-40
"Ben is good at running between the wickets and those little things that help swing a game back your way."
Christopher Barber (left) and Adam Burns celebrate a wicket during the Roos thrilling win at Harry Trott Oval
Picture by Darren HoweKangaroo Flat made it three wins out of its last four games by defeating Bendigo United in a thriller at Harry Trott Oval
the Roos were in strife at 4-45 when Riley Burns came to the crease
Burns would see more of his teammates fall around him
he would need to play a lone hand to keep his side's finals hopes alive
making 91 n.o off 104 balls to win with two balls to spare
Brodie Reaper (95) and Patrick Blandford (72) made light work of the Goers' run chase at White Hills
the Goers lost league-leading run scorer James Ryan for eight
but Reaper and Blandford combined for a 171-run stand
The Goers won with seven wickets in hand and almost 16 overs remaining
United has moved to the top of the Emu Valley Cricket Association ladder after beating Marong at Ewing Park in a top-of-the-table clash
United has moved to the top of the EVCA ladder following a victory over Marong on Saturday
Picture by Darren HoweA destructive 93 n.o off 56 balls from United's Harry Whittle blasted his side to victory
Whittle came to the crease at 3-81 and lost set bat Kane Goldsworthy (27) soon after to be 4-107 after 23.2 overs
Needing to go at 6.81 per over for the remainder of the innings
Whittle blasted eight boundaries and seven sixes
combining with Tom Calvert (32 n.o) for a match-winning 112-run stand
Those 112 runs came in only 11.1 overs as the Marong attack had no answers for Whittle's counter
Whittle has now hit 405 runs at an average of 101.25 in Division One cricket so far this season
United bowler James Smith in action on Saturday
opener Alex Gorrie (79) and first-drop David Blume (51) got Marong off to the perfect start to be 1-144 before losing 7-74
Goldsworthy was the pick of the United bowlers
while James Smith (2-38) and Mackenzie Whittle (2-57) also picked up multiple wickets
While United moves to the top of the ladder
Marong slips to third following the defeat
Picture by Darren HoweIn what is shaping up to be one of the best EVCA seasons in recent memory
only two points separate United from fourth-placed Spring Gully
These two sides have played out some excellent battles in recent years
but Saturday's one-dayer at Pearce Reserve would be close to the best
Spring Gully's one-wicket win with one ball remaining over the side they beat in last year's grand final
The Crows were excellent with the ball bowling the Rangas out on the last ball of their innings
having restricted them to a below-par total of 153
Rangas opener Ashley Murtagh played a lone hand at the top of the order as his opening partner
and batters three to five all fell for single figures
His patient 46 off 106 balls allowed the Rangas to recover
with James Pietromonaco's 29 and Justin Laird's late run-a-ball 27 giving their bowlers something to defend
Beauden Rinaldi (2-29) and Tyce Griffin (2-54) all did their job as well
the Crows continued to control the game early in their chase
with Lachlan Brook (47) and Jayden Mannix (18) putting on a 50-run opening stand
The Crows moved to 3-119 before the collapse began
losing 6-25 to leave number 10 Nick Skeen (7 n.o) and Samuel Baker (2 n.o) needing to find the final 10 runs with only 11 balls remaining
Skeen hit a boundary off the fifth ball of Jeremy Hancock's (1-26) penultimate over to make the equation five off six balls heading into the final over to be bowled by James Bailey (1-32)
It became four off four balls before Skeen hit a two and a single from the next two deliveries to tie the game
Baker hit the winning single the next ball
Sedgwick has set up another blockbuster EVCA top-of-the-table clash next Saturday against United after sneaking home versus California Gully in round eight
The Rams moved to second on the ladder following its 11-run victory against the Cobras
the Rams lost their two best batters so far this season
James Dempsey (40) and Matt Dwyer (23) steadied the ship as the Rams put 6-205 on the board
Rarely ever not contributing to a game, Ilsley (3-21) had the ball talking early in the Cobras chase
finding the edge of both openers with Dwyer's safe hands at first slip doing the rest
Jaidyn Taylor (50) and the in-form Bradley Olson (61 n.o) gave the Cobras life
Olson would run out of partners as his side was bowled out for 194 with three balls remaining
Emu Creek notched up its first win since round three in a six-wicket victory versus Axe Creek
A 107 off 88 balls from Axe Creek's Alan Hatcher pushed his sides total to 7-235
Needing to go at almost a run-a-ball from the outset
all of Emu Creek's top five contributed to the chase
with Tyrone Downie (67) and Cooper Jones (56) hitting half-centuries
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueIn Sunday evening's grand final on the QEO
the Suns defeated Goulburn Murray side Moama by three wickets with 11 balls remaining to be crowned Northern Rivers champions
Both the BDCA's Suns and Emu Valley Cricket Association's United remained in the Kookaburra Cup after the semi-finals were postponed from its original dates before Christmas to Sunday
While the Suns won through in its semi-final against Shepparton-based club Central Park-St Brendan's
Former Eaglehawk star Russell Stockdale - now playing for Moama - blasted the Tigers' attack around the QEO
hitting nine boundaries and a trio of maximums to set up a total of 5-182
The Tigers could only manage 8-125 in reply
with eight players scoring between 10 and 19
With their opponents in the decider confirmed
the Suns got past a competitive Central Park-St Brendan's in the following match
James Vlaeminck in action for the Suns at the QEO versus Central Park-St Brendan's
Picture by Enzo TomasielloHaving been sent into bowl
Dylan Bailie (2-17) struck with his second ball as opener Rhiley Lau skied a pull shot to square leg for a duck
Off-spinner Ben DeAraugo (1-27) trapped Connor Hayes (3) next over
and the Suns had got off to the perfect start at 2-19
Jack Smith would be the pick of the bowlers in the semi-final
including removing set opener Tyler Larkin (40)
caught behind after being hit for consecutive boundaries
the Suns lost openers Will Purcell for a second-ball duck and James Vlaeminck (6)
That 2-7 became 3-28 when gun bat Daniel Clohesy also skied a mistimed shot
experienced campaigners Grant Waldron (23 n.o) and DeAraugo (21 n.o) guided the Suns home with 15 balls to spare
Stockdale couldn't replicate his form from earlier in the day
caught behind for 13 off DeAraugo's (1-16) bowling
McMahon was the backbone of the Moama innings
with Purcell closing out the innings superbly
The Suns again found trouble early in their chase as Vlaeminck (1) chipped a shot back to the bowler after the ball held in the pitch slightly
While both set batsmen were lost in quick succession to leave the Suns 5-96
reigning premiers Golden Square sewed up top-spot with a nine-wicket demolition of the side they could face in the first week of finals
The Bulldogs are now 13-0 with one home-and-away season match remaining after they rolled the Dragons for 59 and then chased it one wicket down within nine overs
View +12 PhotosPictures by Enzo TomasielloElsewhere
and Strathdale-Maristians all recorded nine-wicket victories as well
The Goers and Demons are locked in for one of the semi-finals
with a three-way battle between the Dragons
California Gully and Suns in the final round to determine who plays Square
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Suns skipper claimed the leagues Cricketer of the Year with 19 votes
one ahead of Golden Square counterpart Liam Smith
Taylor moved ahead of Smith in the final round with one vote in the Suns' round 12 win over Bendigo United
"I was hoping I might have shared the award with Smooch (Liam Smith) because he thoroughly deserves to be up here," Taylor said in his speech
Taylor has previously won the Bill Stephenson Trophy in 2011-12
He now has double the next best for Cricket of the Year awards
with Eaglehawk and Golden Square great Wayne Walsh
Kangaroo Flat opening bowler Adam Burns and Square all-rounder Scott Johnson all on three
it was Taylor's ability to impact with both bat and ball that endeared him to the umpires
The left-hand opening bat made 402 runs at an average of 40.2 and took 36 wickets at 14.92 with his leg-spin
His best performance with the willow came in round three against Huntly-North
while he fell just short against Sandhurst in round 10
Taylor during his century innings against Huntly North in round three
with his figures of 6-40 off 9.0 overs in a losing cause in round nine versus Golden Square
Sandhurst leg-spinner Liam Bowe and reigning Cricketer of the Year Chathura Damith finished in equal third on 14 votes
Taylor's season also earned him selection in the Team of the Year
The Bendigo Advertiser adjudged him as the best player of the 2024-25 campaign as well
taking out our Most Valuable Player rankings for the ninth time
Taylor's focus now turns to the weekend, where his Suns will look to make it back-to-back premierships when they take on Strathfieldsaye in the grand final.
Taylor finished second in the BDCA for most wickets this season
Picture by Darren Howe"I started playing at Strathdale-Maristians in 1995 as a junior
"I play because I love playing with the people we have at the club
we can take the final step this weekend with another premiership."
Bendigo captain James Ryan took out the Leon Grose Trophy as the first XI champion player on 847 points
19 - Cameron Taylor (Strathdale-Maristians)
11 - Daniel Clohesy (Strathdale-Maristians)
Cricketer of the Year - Cameron Taylor (Strathdale-Maristians)
Twenty20 Champion Player - Sandun Rathnatunga (Huntly North)
Batting average - Daniel Clohesy (Strathdale-Maristians)
Bowling average - Liam Smith (Golden Square)
Wicket keeping - Jake Higgins (Golden Square)
Under-21 Player of the Year - James Barri (Strathdale-Maristians)
Under-18 Player of the Year - Harvey White (Eaglehawk)
Cricketer of the Year - Luke Wight (Kangaroo Flat)
Champion Player - Luke Wight (Kangaroo Flat)
Batting average - Ben Irvine (White Hills)
Bowling average - Nicholas Wharton (White Hills)
Batting aggregate - Jayden Sheean (White Hills)
Bowling aggregate - Jamie Bysouth (Golden Square) 31 wickets
Cricket of the Year - Adam Rady (Bendigo United)
Champion Player - Jack Bourke (White Hills)
Batting average - Josh Simpson (Golden Square)
Bowling average - Jonty Yates (Strathfieldsaye)
Batting aggregate - Jack Bourke (White Hills)
Bowling aggregate - Jack Bourke (White Hills)
Champion Player - Hayden Polglase (Strathdale-Maristians)
Batting average - Hayden Polglase (Strathdale-Maristians)
Bowling average - Samar Sharma (Strathdale-Maristians)
Wicket keeping - Michael Dobson (White Hills)
Fielding - Adelaide Bollard (Golden Square)
First XI Champion Player - Sarah Mannes (Golden Square)
Batting aggregate - Sarah Mannes (Golden Square)
Bowling aggregate - Madeline White (Sandhurst)
Bowling aggregate - Paige Beamish (Strathfieldsaye)
Bowling aggregate - Layla O'Brien (White Hills)
Wicket keeping - Shelby Giorlando (Strathdale-Maristians)
Second XI Champion Player - Crystal West (Eaglehawk)
Batting aggregate - Crystal West (Eaglehawk)
Batting aggregate - Melissa Hillard (Eaglehawk)
Bowling aggregate - Melissa Popple (Golden Square)
Wicket keeping - Matilda Roberts (Golden Square)
Jim Styles under-18 player - Harvey White (Eaglehawk)
Representative player - Taylor Beard (Sandhurst)
Shelby Giorlando (Strathdale-Maristians - WK)
12th player - Hannah Flood (Golden Square)
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueJacobs has been one of the cornerstones of the Suns' remarkable dynasty of success that since the 2010-11 season has yielded nine first XI premierships
Jacobs in the role of keeper-batsman played in eight of those premierships
but when he returns to Bell Oval on Saturday he will be doing so to play against the Suns
Jacobs - the player who holds the BDCA record for most dismissals by a wicket-keeper - after a year away from the game has chosen to return to his junior club
this season alongside his younger brother Cory
The Hawks head to Bell Oval on Saturday for round four to take on the Suns
with the Strathdale-Maristians side featuring seven players Jacobs has played in flags with: Matt Wilkinson
It would have been 10 players had it not been for the absences of Daniel Clohesy
James Vlamenick and Jacob DeAraugo from last round's Suns team that beat Huntly North
Linton Jacobs appealing for a wicket during his Strathdale-Maristians days.On the eve of the season when speaking with the Addy about his move to Eaglehawk the chat inevitably turned to his first clash against the Suns
with Jacobs saying: "I've been thinking about that game a bit it's probably fair to say."
That game is now here in one of the BDCA's most keenly-anticipated match-ups of the season given Jacobs' incredible success at his former club
"It will be very strange to be playing against Lino this week; there's a few of us who have played a lot of games with him and loved playing with him," Suns' captain Taylor said on Friday
Saluting a champion of the BDCA - Adam Burns to play game 300 for Roos
"I don't know if I'll love playing against him; it's something we've done in the past with other players
but Lino's probably a bit different in terms of the significance he holds around our club
"I think everyone would love to have a bowl at him
but I'm sure he will be equally keen to face the boys as well
"There's a lot of familiarity from both sides; we'll embrace it and enjoy the contest for what it is
but it will be good to catch up with him."
Jacobs - who is playing purely as a batsman at the Hawks and not wicket-keeping - heads into the clash against his former side coming off a knock of 69 off 66 balls in last round's win over Kangaroo Flat
All eight of Jacobs' premierships were won alongside his best mate Ben DeAraugo - but that friendship will be put to the side over the next two Saturday afternoons as they battle each other
"He has been such a legend of Strathdale-Maristians and is a life member of our club
so it's going to be weird playing against him..
"He's my best mate and we've got a lot of memories having played alongside each other for most of our lives
"I'm rapt that he's playing as I know how much he loves the game and competing
so I'd much rather him play for Eaglehawk than not play anywhere
"We know each other's strengths and weaknesses very well
so it will be interesting to see how that all plays out in a game
"I notice he has been wearing his Suns helmet when he has been batting
so it will be interesting to see if he's sorted himself some new equipment by Saturday."
The Strathdale-Maristians side features Jack Smith - the son of Suns' premiership player Ben Smith - making his first XI debut
but now Jacobs returns to Bell Oval as a rivalEight flags with the Suns
but now Jacobs returns to Bell Oval as a rivalROUND 5 EVCA GAMES:Eight flags with the Suns
but now Jacobs returns to Bell Oval as a rivalTEAMSBENDIGO DISTRICT CRICKET ASSOCIATIONKANGAROO FLAT v BENDIGOKANGAROO FLAT - Christopher Barber
Picture by Enzo TomasielloGRANT Waldron and Sam Johnston have delivered two of the great individual grand final performances with bat and ball in Bendigo District Cricket Association history to spearhead the Suns to another first XI flag
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueStrathdale-Maristians defeated Strathfieldsaye by 139 runs at the QEO over the weekend to win not only its second flag in a row
Suns' coach Waldron was awarded the Taylor Walsh Medal as man of the match for his batting masterclass on Saturday when he made a brilliant 149
View +23 PhotosPictures by Enzo TomasielloComing in at 1-17 in the sixth over of the day
Waldron's 149 was the backbone of the Suns' 8-354 after they won the toss and batted
It's the second grand final in a row the Suns have made 350-plus on day one after plundering 7-363 in their win over Kangaroo Flat last season
GRAND FINAL DAY 1 WRAP
Following his batting heroics on day one Waldron received some stiff Taylor Walsh Medal competition from teammate Johnston on Sunday as he bowled the Suns to victory
Johnston finished with a haul of 7-64 off 22.5 overs
Johnston struck three times in his first six overs
Zoltan Smyth (5) and Pat Felmingham (24) to have the Jets 3-49
Chathura Damith (69) and skipper Campbell Love (58 to go with 3-104 with the ball) both made half-centuries for the Jets and put on 100 for the fourth wicket in what was the best stand of the Strathfieldsaye innings
Johnston secured the match-winning wicket when he bowled Cameron Clayton (19) at 3.51pm in the 68th over for not only his seventh scalp of the grand final
Johnston's 7-64 ranks equal 10th for the best bowling figures in a BDCA grand final
is the fifth highest score in a grand final
the way it all unfolded yesterday and then today Strathfieldsaye put up a fight with some good partnerships
but the cricket we play and the people we can always rely on were just outstanding today," Suns captain Cameron Taylor said
Strathdale-Maristians' Sam Johsnton after taking one of his seven wickets on Sunday
Picture by Enzo Tomasiello"We backed up a big yesterday with no complacency and it's just a really good feeling."
Johnston's seven wickets in the grand final followed on from his four-for in last week's semi-final against Sandhurst
"I had a bit of a chat to Sam last night and basically said
'I could use a big one from you tomorrow'," Taylor said
"All this season he has been about getting himself ready for finals and making sure he was right to go for this time of the year
"He really delivered last week and then again today; that seventh wicket today has also got him to 400 in his BDCA career
so that's a really special accomplishment for him."
While the Suns are celebrating their 10th premiership in the past 17 years - Ben DeAraugo has played in all 10 of them and John Hewitt has scored all 10 of them - Strathfieldsaye's last flag remains 2001
Strathdale-Maristians coach Grant Waldron and captain Cameron Taylor
Picture by Enzo TomasielloThe Jets have now lost three grand finals to the Suns over the past 10 years
"We didn't come here today thinking we couldn't get it done; to be honest
so we thought at tea we were right in it," Jets' skipper Love said
"But after tea we lost a couple of quick wickets and we just couldn't get going
Picture by Enzo Tomasiello"We didn't have anyone that did what Grant Waldron did yesterday or burst through with the ball like Slammer (Johnston) did today
"Two really good individual performances did us over."
MORE GRAND FINAL COVERAGE TO COME TOMORROW
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueFor over 40 years
the club's games record holder will bring up an unprecedented milestone
Murphy is set to become the first Suns player ever to play 500 senior games for the club when the third XI welcome Golden Square on Saturday morning
Murphy remains in love with the game that brought him to the club in 1981-82
where he has remained besides a two-year stint away in the Northern Territory just over a decade ago
"I'm still really enjoying it," Murphy said
"I initially said I'd only play until I was 50
our captain (Maxwell Campbell) was out sick last week
"But I'm not bowling as much these days as this is the first year I've had problems with my knee
and I've restricted myself to bowling only in veterans cricket."
Richard Murphy (right) with Kevin Crawford a decade ago
ahead of Murphy breaking Crawford's all-time Suns games record
Picture by Brendan McCarthyMurphy has been playing in the Suns' third XI side for the past seven seasons
where he has played with his son Patrick and the boys of many old teammates
"I'm loving playing in the thirds as you get a mixture of old and young blokes like Sean McCann's young fella Mitchell
"Those interactions with the younger guys is what's kept me going
and that's what cricket is all about - building connections with people."
The 59-year-old PE teacher at Victory Christian College has made 6235 runs and taken 647 wickets throughout his career
He has witnessed the Suns go from perennial bridesmaids during his playing days to the powerhouse club of the BDCA that has won six first-XI premierships in the past decade
"I was in those teams in the 80s and 90s when we were banging on the door but just couldn't break through for that premiership," Murphy said
the structure of the club runs very smoothly from juniors through to the first XI
"We are setting the bar for a Victorian country cricket club."
While continuing to feature for his beloved Suns
Murphy has represented Victoria in veterans cricket since 2020
He says watching how cricket has begun to embrace people of all ages and genders has been one of the joys of his career
"Cricket has come along in leaps and bounds since I first started," he said
"We've got veterans cricket up and running plus the girls cricket
"When we got our first all-girls junior team together a few years ago
I was lucky enough to coach my daughter Erin and step-daughter Grace."
Premiership glory has always been elusive for Murphy
He has only twice won flags (2009-10 2nd XI & 2018-19 4th XI)
but those two occasions remain seminal moments for him
"The second's premiership was pretty special because that had the Ben Smith's
Sean McCann's and Michael Prowse's in the side," he said
"Those were the young guys I was involved with since they were teenagers
so playing in a premiership with them as an old bloke was fantastic
to play with my son Patrick in the past six years and win a fourth XI flag together was incredible
and while my partner Rosemary doesn't quite understand why I'm still so dedicated to cricket
she is always very supportive in the background."
Murphy has been a tireless worker behind the scenes dating back to 1986 when he first joined the Suns' committee
secretary and vice president and was awarded life membership in the early 90s
Picture by Enzo TomasielloSTRATHDALE-Maristians' star batsman Grant Waldron admits his three cheap dismissals in a trio of Bendigo District Cricket Association grand finals in 2021
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueWhile the Suns did win two of those three grand finals Waldron's impact with the bat was limited - out for two against Kangaroo Flat in 2021 (won)
a duck against Strathfieldsaye in 2022 (won) and run out for seven against Kangaroo Flat in 2023 (lost)
They were three rare failures for what many regard as the best batsmen in the competition and why Waldron has had that extra motivation each time he has strode to the wicket on day one of the BDCA grand final over the past two seasons
Strathdale-Maristians' players celebrate after taking the last wicket of the grand final on Sunday
Picture by Enzo TomasielloAnd just as Waldron did last year when his impact will always make him synonomous with the 2024 grand final
on Saturday the Suns' coach produced an innings that will go down in BDCA folklore as he became the latest winner of the Taylor Walsh Medal as player of the match in Strathdale-Maristians' 139-run win over Strathfieldsaye at the QEO
"There were a few years where I missed out..
I don't do anything different with the way I approach each innings and sometimes it comes off and sometimes it doesn't," Waldron said post-match Sunday
"It did burn a bit because I've always wanted to contribute strongly on the last day
so these past couple of years have been pleasing."
On Saturday Waldron churned out what is the fifth highest score in a BDCA grand final
with his career-high 149 the backbone of the Suns' monster 8-354
View +44 PhotosPictures by Enzo TomasielloFor the record
Waldron's grand final innings on Saturday is surpassed by only:
172 - Ted Besford (Golden Square) v Ordnance Imperials
171 - Ron Porter (Harcourt) v South Bendigo
156 - Les Harris (Golden Square) v Bendigo
No.3 Waldron started his innings on the final ball of the sixth over with the score at 1-17 and he wasn't dismissed until the last ball of the 84th over
The 34-year-old right-hander faced 250 balls and struck 12 fours and two sixes in his brilliant knock that continued a rich vein of form after the Christmas-New Year break
Since the calendar ticked over into 2025 Waldron has scored 542 runs at a phenomenal average of 90.3
Waldron provided the foundation of the Suns' grand final innings
James Barri (46) and Matt Wilkinson (37) were able to keep the runs ticking over around him
Waldron put on 79 for the third wicket with Barri; 90 for the fifth with Vlaeminck; and 79 for the sixth with Wilkinson
"I'm pretty blessed that the blokes that I get to bat around in this team are free scorers and that allows me to be able to take whatever runs are given to me," said Waldron
who has now coached four Suns' premierships
"It was exceptional the way those boys were able to come out and back their ability and decision-making and for it to pay off the way it did was a great culmination for all the hard work the boys have put in
"The end result both personally and for the team is very satisfying."
I'm pretty blessed that the blokes that I get to bat around in this team are free scorers and that allows me to be able to take whatever runs are given to me
Waldron's 149 on Saturday followed the 92 he made in last year's grand final win over Kangaroo Flat when he and Daniel Clohesy shared in a memorable 203-run partnership for the second wicket
Now a five-time premiership player with the Suns
there was also a 79 from Waldron in last season's semi-final win over Bendigo United as well
"I don't know what you can say about Waldo today," Suns captain Cameron Taylor said after Saturday's opening day
"His application and the way he constructs an innings is unreal and he is a real mentalist when it comes to his cricket
"He thinks about it a lot and he just approaches an innings so well
To execute it the way he did today was just awesome."
Strathfieldsaye skipper Campbell Love was also glowing in his praise of Waldron's batting masterclass
He didn't give a chance and as much as it hurt us
With his innings of 149 on day one and the Suns clearly in the box seat to claim the flag
Waldron would have been a short $1.10 on Saturday night to win the Taylor Walsh Medal - and he duly did - but teammate Sam Johnston certainly gave the umpires something to think about on day two
Johnston delivered a grand final performance for the ages with the ball on Sunday as the Jets were dismissed for 215
In what's a list headed by the 8-62 Strathdale's Greg O'Brien took against Eaglehawk in 1981
Johnston produced the equal 10th best bowling figures in BDCA grand final history with his haul of 7-64 off 22.5 overs
Those seven wickets Johnston took now equal the amount of premierships he has won with the Suns since making the move from Huntly North in 2014-15
What was already a monumental task facing the Jets when they turned up at the QEO on Sunday morning needing to make 355 became all the more harder when inside his first six overs opening bowler Johnston had removed the trio of Savith Priyan (4)
Zoltan Smyth (5) and X-factor Pat Felmingham (24) to have the Jets reeling at 3-49
Dale Ashby (1) and bowled Cameron Clayton (19) for the match-winning wicket
which also doubled as the 400th scalp of his BDCA career
Strathdale's Grant Waldron and Cameron Taylor
Picture by Enzo TomasielloThe humble Johnston is a man of few words who lets his actions do the talking - as they have for more than 200 games in the BDCA - and he much preferred post-match to focus on team rather than his day out with the ball on the biggest of stages
"It's fantastic for the club and to bring a couple of new young players in from last year in Will (Purcell) and Jack (Smith) shows the strength and depth of the club," Johnston said
"To be able to blood some new players and still have the success we have today is fantastic for the club."
Johnston missed two games late in the home and away season with a side strain before snaring 11 wickets across the Suns' two finals after also taking 4-60 in the semi against Sandhurst the previous week
'I could use a big one from you tomorrow'," Suns' skipper Taylor said
the Strathdale-Maristians' 11 that won the flag over the weekend now has an envious total of 54 premierships between them ranging from the 10 won by Ben DeAraugo through to Will Purcell and Jack Smith both winning their first
Stalwart DeAraugo can now lay claim to winning a flag alongside both a father and a son
Fourteen years ago in 2011 DeAraugo was a premiership team-mate of Jack's father
2009 and 2010) before winning his first premiership in 2011
with the Suns having now won 10 of the BDCA's past 15 flags - 2011
Of the weekend's grand final team DeAraugo's 10 Strathdale-Maristians flags are followed by Taylor's nine
three to James Barri and Matt Wilkinson and the first premierships for Purcell and Smith
Skipper Taylor's ninth flag with the Suns comes in the same season he won his sixth BDCA Cricketer of the Year last week
but the cricket we play and the people we can always rely on were just outstanding today," Taylor said
"We backed up a big yesterday with no complacency and it's just a really good feeling."
While that's now 10 premiership in 15 years for the Suns as they write another chapter in their enduring dynasty of success
the Jets' last flag remains a distant 2001
Three of the 10 flags the Suns have won over the past 15 years have come at the expense of the Jets - 2015
The Jets looked their most dangerous on Sunday in their run chase while skipper Love and Chathura Damith were at the crease together
ticking the runs over at a good rate without too much risk
From 3-49 they put on 100 for the fourth wicket before Love (58) was caught on the mid-wicket boundary by Clohesy off Taylor
And when Damith (69) hit DeAraugo to mid-on and was caught by Smith 10 minutes before tea the Jets had fallen to 5-175
with the innings wrapping up 40 runs later
an hour after the tea break in the 68th over
so we thought at tea we were right in it," Love said
Two really good individual performances did us over."
who is stepping up to coach Strathfieldsaye next season
certainly led from the front across the two days for the Jets
with his 58 with the bat coming after he was his side's leading wicket-taker the previous day with 3-104 off 22 overs
Picture by Enzo TomasielloSTRATHDALE-Maristians' star batsman Grant Waldron has put the Suns in the box seat to claim back-to-back Bendigo District Cricket Association first XI premierships after day one of the grand final on Saturday
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Suns posted a massive 8-354 off their 85 overs against Strathfieldsaye at the QEO after winning the toss and batting
Suns' coach Waldron was the mainstay of the innings
showing why he's regarded by many as the best batsman in the competition with a knock full of class
Waldron compiled 149 after starting his knock in the sixth over and batting through until he was finally dismissed in the second last over of the day
View +29 PhotosPictures by Enzo TomasielloIt's the second year in a row Waldron has been pivotal in the Suns posting a huge day one score in the grand final
Last year Waldron made 92 in the grand final
helping the Suns to 7-363 against Kangaroo Flat
SUNS vs JETS: Your guide to the 2024-25 BDCA first XI grand final
Waldron's 149 ranks No.5 on the list of highest scores in a BDCA first XI grand final
Waldron's grand final heroics continue a stunning run of form
Since the Christmas-New Year break Waldron has made scores of 55
"I don't know what you can say about Waldo today," Suns captain Cameron Taylor said
While Waldron's 149 was the backbone of the innings
he was well supported by James Vlaeminck (46)
The Suns brought up their 100 in the 31st over; reached 200 in the 62nd and surpassed 300 in the 79th
They were 3-128 off 41 overs at the tea break
In total the Suns plundered 35 boundaries and three sixes in their massive score
"When you win the toss and bat and hope for a competitive score in a grand final," said Taylor
"We know it's a good deck and a good ground for scoring runs
so we will still need to bowl well tomorrow
"We've done what we needed to do today and now it's about executing with the ball and in the field tomorrow."
The Suns scored at a run-rate of 4.16 per over against what has been the most economical side with the ball this season in the Jets
The Jets' economy rate for the season before Saturday had been a measly 2.98
"I couldn't fault our effort at all today; probably at times our execution let us down though," Strathfieldsaye captain Campbell Love said.
we chased 190 down in a Twenty20 against Strathdale earlier this year
so they are things we need to think about and take that belief into tomorrow
Chathura Damith (2-90 off 22) and left-arm spinner Savith Priyan (2-69 off 18) were all multiple wicket-takers for the Jets
who are going to need something special with the bat tomorrow if they are to win their first flag since 2001
It was Damith who finally ended the innings of Waldron when he had him caught by wicket-keeper Jack Stubbs in the shadows of stumps after more than five hours at the crease
in the Emu Valley Cricket Association grand final Spring Gully fought its way to 199 against arch rivals United
were in early trouble at 3-28 after winning the toss and batting with the trio of Jayden Mannix (1)
Lachlan Brook (14) and Rhys Webb (4) all dismissed
EVCA's blockbuster decider as long-time rivals return to the big dance
James Fox (37) and Wes Hopcott (30) lifted the Crows to 199 and has the game evenly poised heading into day two
Kane Goldsworthy's 3-29 off 12.4 overs were the best bowling figures for the Tigers
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Suns and Jets will clash at the QEO on Saturday and Sunday
Strathdale-Maristians playing in the BDCA first XI grand final
It has seemingly been that way in the BDCA for the best part of two decades as the Suns line up for their 14th grand final in the past 17 years against Strathfieldsaye
And should the Suns prevail they will have won 10 of the BDCA's past 17 premierships in what has been a remarkable run of sustained success
"We have a lot of fun as a group and take a lot of pride in playing well
doing well and we're all very competitive," Strathdale-Maristians captain Cameron Taylor said this week
"We all get along so well and just want to win and be around each other when we do win
so that's what keeps getting us up every year..
the anticipation of trying to do something that you can celebrate together is as big a motivator as anything
Strathdale-Maristians' captain Cameron Taylor."Over time the group builds confidence in that we know our game and our processes and at the end of the day
but we have the confidence in one another that we're going to leave it all out there and give it our best shot."
This weekend's 11 for the Suns has a combined 45 premierships between them headed by the nine flags Ben DeAraugo has won and the eight for skipper Taylor
who now has a sixth BDCA Cricketer of the Year accolade as well to his name
Twelve months ago the Suns demolished Kangaroo Flat by 164 runs in the grand final - a game best remembered for the 203-run second-wicket partnership between Taylor Walsh medallist Daniel Clohesy (118) and Grant Waldron (92)
READ MORE: Like father like son? Smith's chance to emulate the flag deeds of his dad
Nine of last year's premiership team will again be playing this weekend
with the only changes young bowlers Will Purcell and Jack Smith having grabbed their opportunities this season after Tom Purcell and Jack Pysing headed to Premier Cricket clubs
"We were always going to miss Tom and Jack with the way they performed last year (a combined 52 wickets); they were big X-factors for us and fortunately both Will and Jack have both played their roles so well this year," Taylor said
"Knowing we can rely on them is great and they have provided great support to Sammy J (Johnston)
but those lads had to step up in his absence and that will hold them in good stead."
who recently ticked over the 200-game mark in the BDCA
was sidelined for rounds nine and 10 with a side injury
He has now been back for three games and was the Suns' top performer with the ball in last week's rain-affected drawn semi-final against Sandhurst taking 4-60
Strathdale-Maristians' James Vlaeminck.Strathdale-Maristians has also had to navigate an injury to top-order batsman Jack Neylon
who also missed two games with a broken thumb that also forced him to withdraw from Bendigo's Melbourne Country Week squad last month
The Suns have been by far the most dominant batting side in the competition this season
and are also the fastest scoring side with a run rate of 3.89
They have five players - opener Clohesy (57.9)
DeAraugo (48.0) and James Barri (42.6) - averaging above 40 and in their only game against Strathfieldsaye so far this season smashed 5-356 in round six
That monster score of 356 was headlined by 116 from Clohesy - one of his three centuries this season
While BDCA premierships have become synonomus with Strathdale-Maristians such has been the Suns' reign at the top for so long
Strathfieldsaye continues to endure a flag drought
The sole BDCA first XI flag the Jets have won - and it came against the Suns - was back on a wet weekend in 2001
The Jets have since had two grand final opportunities
but came up short both times losing to Strathdale-Maristians in 2015 and again in 2022
The Jets will be led into battle this weekend by first-year captain Campbell Love
with Strathfieldsaye booking its grand final berth after defeating Golden Square by seven wickets in their semi-final last weekend
"It would mean a lot for the playing group and the supporters if we can get over the line this weekend," Love said
"For the likes of Ben Devanny and Jack Stubbs (played in both the 2015 and 2022 defeats) who have been around for a long time and seen some tough times
"We obviously know though how good Strathdale has been for such a long time
Earlier this week club veteran Ben Devanny pointed to the experience in the Jets' side as one of the areas it's better equipped to take on the Suns compared to its last grand final three years ago
The Jets now have five players in their grand final side who have played more than 100 first XI games for the club - Devanny
Pat Felmingham and the Sri Lankan duo of Chathura Damith and Savith Priyan
"Apart from myself (22) and Jack Bell (18) the rest of the team is all now over 30
so the window is probably two or three years and we've got to make it count," Love said
"A big key for us this weekend is going to be to restrict Strathdale in its innings early so it can't get that base to build from and cash in
"We feel we're peaking at the right time of the season and in good form
so there will be no excuses from us this weekend - the better team will win."
shapes as an obvious X-factor for the Jets given the explosive hitting he is capable of (albeit a different format
just think back to his 63 off 34 in the Jets' Twenty20 grand final win over Huntly North at the QEO in January)
Strathdale-Maristians' Savith Priyan.Unlike Kangaroo Flat was able to do last year
the Jets must put the pressure on the Suns' batting line-up by getting into the middle-order as quickly as possible and new ball bowler Damith
22 wickets) is one of four all-rounders in the Jets' side capable of impacting the grand final with bat and ball along with Priyan (273 runs
READ MORE: After more than 20 years trying, what would elusive flag mean for Devanny?
With the ball the Jets have been the most economical this season
conceding just 2.98 runs per over (the BDCA average is 3.25)
left-arm spinner Priyan (2.68) and Devanny (2.22)
who combined have bowled 479 overs and 133 maidens
all have stingy economy rates of less than 2.70 per over
......................................................................
Round six at Tannery Lane: Strathdale-Maristians 5-356 def Strathfieldsaye 189
Past five - 5-206 dr Sandhurst 235 (semi-final)
Past five - 3-190 def Golden Square 189 (semi-final)
Tipped against Strathdale-Maristians in last season's grand final and that came back to bite me
The Suns have proven themselves the best team over the course of the season and while I have high regard for the disciplined Strathfiedsaye bowling unit
feel Strathdale-Maristians just has too much depth with the bat
Smith will play in this weekend's BDCA first XI grand final
Picture by Darren HoweSTRATHDALE-Maristians' Jack Smith has the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his father this weekend when he plays in his maiden BDCA first XI grand final
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueIn what's a Suns' side laden with an enormous wealth of premiership experience
at age 20 Smith is the youngest member of the team that will take on Strathfieldsaye in the grand final at the QEO
Bowler Smith is one of two Suns' players this weekend
gunning for their first flag in the first XI
Smith lining up in the Suns' grand final team this weekend comes 30 years after his dad
was part of the Strathdale-Maristians' premiership team that beat Bendigo United in 1995
That 1995 premiership is one of two first XI flags Ben played in during a career of more than 250 games with the Suns
Ben also played in the Suns' 2010-11 premiership team in what was a side that included Ben DeAraugo
who will be among Jack's teammates this weekend
Smith made his first XI debut for the Suns earlier this season in round four and considers himself extremely fortunate to be able to learn the ropes in a dynasty side that features four players who have already won at least six flags - DeAraugo (nine), captain Cameron Taylor (eight)
"It's about just trying to soak up as much as you can out of each player and it gives you real confidence to be able to go about your own role because you know these other experienced guys around you will back you up being the great cricketers they are," Smith said this week
Ben Smith batting for Strathdale-Maristians at Bell Oval in January of 2014."Even with the bat the other week
that chance to bat with Waldo (Grant Waldron)..
his leadership to let me know what the ball was doing and how to work through it together gave me a lot of confidence to play the best cricket I could."
That innings Smith is alluding to was against one of the competition's best bowling attacks - Kangaroo Flat - in round 11
The Suns had been reeling at 8-117 when No.10 Smith joined Waldron at the crease
Smith showed tremendous maturity with the bat in compiling 36 off 75
the Suns posted 202 and went on to win by 18 runs
With the ball Smith has been predominantly used as a first-change bowler
grabbing an opportunity after the Suns' duo of Jack Pysing and Tom Purcell
He has taken nine wickets at an average of 25.7
including 1-13 in last weekend's semi-final against Sandhurst
LAST WEEKEND'S BDCA SEMI-FINAL WRAP
"Cam (Taylor) always tells me to be as attacking as I can
keep the stumps in play and execute the best I can each ball," Smith said
"A few years ago I always had the ability to bowl a good ball
but coming into the first XI it's about trying to be as consistent as possible."
A few years ago I always had the ability to bowl a good ball
but coming into the first XI it's about trying to be as consistent as possible
As for the impact of his dad Ben on his career
Smith says his support and guidance from his junior days through to the first XI ranks has been invaluable
"He has always supported me in my cricket really well," Smith said
"I still remember the premiership he won in 2011 and the celebrations in the rooms afterwards
It was a long time ago and I was only very young
but I still have memories of that weekend."
Thirty years ago in the 1994-95 grand final when the Suns beat Bendigo United to win the first of his two flags Ben was slightly older than what Jack is now
All-rounder Ben made an unbeaten 53 as a 21-year-old and is hoping his son gets the chance to savour that same premiership feeling he did twice with the club
"It's a bit surreal thinking about it; Jack is very fortunate to have the chance to play in such an experienced team and great group of people," Ben said
"It's a great opportunity for him this weekend and he's rapt to be part of it
"I've played a lot of cricket over the years in particular with Rooey (DeAraugo) and Cam (Taylor)
so it's quite funny when you watch from afar and see them still playing at the level they are and guiding your son along and supporting him."
Such has been the sustained level of dominance of Strathdale-Maristians in the BDCA
this weekend will remarkably be the 14th time in the past 17 years the club has played in the first XI grand final
READ MORE: The Suns' Mr Nice Guy Ben Smith racks up 250 games
"When you step away and just become a spectator it's amazing to watch how they go about it," Ben said
"You look at those mid-aged guys like Daniel Clohesy
James Vlaemnick and James Barri out in the field; they seem to take the key areas in the field and really drive each other
trust and shared purpose within the group and you can really see it
The way they have been able to bring people in to their team having been such a high-performer for so long and make them feel welcome and part of it is a phenomenal ability to be able to do as a collective."
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueA first-half goal from Caden Meeks was the difference between the two teams as the Borough snapped Strathdale's three-game unbeaten run and leapfrogged the Blues into second place on the ladder
The Hawks controlled the game in the opening 45 minutes and deserved their lead when Meeks was in the right spot to slot home a low cross
The Blues struggled to create any meaningful chances in the opening half
Strathdale's Luke Roberts leads Eaglehawk's Zac Hasty in the race for the ball."In the second-half Strathdale came at us and they had some really good chances,'' Eaglehawk co-coach Keegan Smyth said
"We could have scored and they definitely could have scored
They hit the post at least once and we were just holding on in the final 10 minutes
but we were probably a bit slow with our ball movement
It would have been nice to get another goal in front to make things more comfortable
"In the second-half they pressed us a lot more and
(Keeper) Zavier Abbott made a couple of good saves for us
"We had some chances to make it 2-0 in the second-half
"In the end we were pretty happy to get away with a 1-0 win."
with the Borough particularly hard-hit by injuries
Keegan Smyth falls to the ground after being fouled against Strathdale.Considering the injury curse
Smyth was elated his side sits second on the ladder behind Tatura
"I'm ecstatic with how we're going even though we've got injuries,'' Smyth said
"Danny Kelly hurt himself again (on Saturday)
but hopefully we might get a few back in the next couple of weeks."
Blues and the rest of the league might be playing for second
Tatura's class and depth came to the fore in a stunning 12-0 thumping of Spring Gully on Sunday
The Ibises were at their imposing best against a Spring Gully side that has been hard to play against in the past 18 months
"We certainly didn't expect to win by that much,'' Tatura coach Tristan Zito said
"Since I've been at the club this is probably the deepest squad we've had."
View +21 PhotosPictures by Adam BourkeYouth player Xavier Black stepped up to the senior team and scored four goals in 46 minutes
while the Ibises had the luxury of playing star midfielder Cody Sellwood as a substitute as he made his way back from injury
"Xavier is only 16 or 17 and he scored six goals in the under-18s as well,'' Zito said
Epsom continues to be frustrated by near misses
The Scorpions remain winless despite being in a winning position again on Saturday
A first senior goal from James Garlick and another from the in-form Cooper Arkinstall either side of half-time gave Epsom a 2-1 lead over Shepparton South
an Epsom defensive blunder gifted South star Joel Aitken his second goal of the match before South coach Lewis Coyle pinched all three points for his side with a goal in the dying minutes
"Our big trouble at the moment is not playing the full 90 minutes at a level that is good enough to win a match,'' Epsom coach Kyle Smith said
but little lapses are costing us at the moment."
Epsom is two points behind Shepparton United at the bottom of the ladder after United suffered a shock 3-2 loss to Shepparton SC
Eaglehawk midfielder Jesse Matthews.BIG GUNS FIRE IN LEAGUE ONE WOMENWhile Tatura looks mighty hard to beat for the men's title, the League One Women's championship battle is a race in three
Strathfieldsaye Colts United and Shepparton United scored impressive wins at the weekend to consolidate their positions in the top three
A hat-trick from Paige Conder sparked Spring Gully's 4-1 win over Tatura
Conder's three-goal haul included another sublime free kick from outside of the box - her third of the season
particularly in the first half,'' Gully coach Simon Smith said
"We had four under-16 players play for us and they stood up to the challenge really well
"Paige scored another unbelievable free kick
but she's putting in the hard work in the background."
Ally Van Dalen put away the fourth goal for the Reds
Reigning champions Strathfieldsaye Colts United overcame the absence of some key players to score a 3-0 win over Shepparton South
Caitlin Robertson scored twice for Colts and Zoe Cail added the third goal in a high-quality performance
Colts sit in second place - three points behind Spring Gully
Shepparton United is third after its 6-1 win over Kyneton
Rosemarene Legalo slammed home four goals for United
The in-form striker has six goals in her past three games
fourth-placed La Trobe University outplayed Eaglehawk 6-1
The Eagles continue to improve and they're more than capable of upsetting the apple cart of one of the championship contenders
The reigning premier Suns sat on top of the BDCA ladder
Picture by Darren HoweWITH three rounds remaining in the season
the Bendigo District Cricket Association is set for an enthralling race to the finals
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThere's just half-a-game between the top four sides
and just one game separating fifth from eighth
with Bendigo United and White Hills in the bottom two spots out of the mix
It's a familiar position at the top of the ladder for the powerhouse Suns
although two losses in a row have put the heat back on to hold onto the No.1 seed
the Suns won't be looking any further ahead than their huge 1st v 2nd game against Sandhurst at Bell Oval starting this weekend
where the winner will sit No.1 after this round
while the loser will drop outside the top two
After the Dragons' clash the Suns finish off with two sides outside the top four
....................................................................
Similar sentiment as that of Strathdale-Maristians - this round's game against the Suns is hugely important in the context of not only the Dragons' ability to finish on top
They did beat the Suns at Bell Oval last season thanks to a Liam Bowe masterclass
so won't be daunted by what's ahead before then taking on the third-placed Golden Square in what's a massive next four weekends
Sandhurst's Ash Gray.....................................................................
Can the Bulldogs end what is the longest current BDCA first XI finals drought that stretches back to 2018-19
Of the eight teams still in the mix the Bulldogs have the toughest run home with their remaining three opponents in Strathfieldsaye (33)
Sandhurst (36) and Kangaroo Flat (24) having a combined 93 points
Do have two of their remaining three at home which helps
as does being a rare visiting team to pocket six points at Strathdale as they did last weekend
which could prove mighty telling in the wash-up
'Those who know me know how much I love hitting sixes': Wood's ton of fun
Golden Square's Connor Miller.....................................................................
They are back in the top four after last week's win over Eaglehawk
followed by Wednesday night's Twenty20 grand final win over Huntly North
Massive game this round against third-placed Golden Square
where the winner will move into second position heading into the last two rounds
Still get to play bottom side White Hills and who knows just what could be riding on the round 12 match when they travel to Strauch Reserve to play Huntly North
Strathfieldsaye's Campell Love.Early flurry of wickets and Felmingham's blitz ignites Jets in T20 final
After three-consecutive wooden spoons the resurgence of Huntly North has been one of the season's great storylines
The Power sit half-a-game outside the top four and the positive for them is they play three sides all around them in Eaglehawk (6th)
all of which will be the proverbial "12 point games"
Will move back into the top four with a win over the Hawks this round or could drop as low as eighth
Huntly North's Milton Shumba.....................................................................
Good run home for the Hawks given they don't play any of the top four sides
only one of their last three matches is on their home deck at Canterbury Park
Currently a game outside the top four ahead of this round's clash against Huntly North
Eaglehawk's Ben Williams.....................................................................
The Roos have struggled to build any momentum
hence the regular grand finalists of recent seasons find themselves where they are - on the outside of the top four looking in
Are nine points outside the four and still have two top-three teams to play in Strathdale-Maristians and Golden Square
But until it's mathematically impossible such is their pace attack
Kangaroo Flat's Adam Burns.....................................................................
According to ladder positions the Goers have the easiest run home
with their three remaining opponents - White Hills (9)
Huntly North (30) and Eaglehawk (27) - having a combined 66 points
The Goers are nine points outside the top four and probably need to win all three of their games to be a sniff
Bendigo's James Ryan.....................................................................
Bendigo United's RIley Trelaor.....................................................................
White Hills' Rhys Irwin.PREDICTED FINAL LADDER1
The Kyneton Rangers Under 12Cs have won their Grand Final 3-0 against a previously unbeaten Strathdale United.
The Rangers started strongly with great passing by Zeke Scott and Flynn Osmond through midfield that led to several shots by players including Finn Bamford which narrowly missed. Strathdale hit back with a shot on goal, which was saved by goalkeeper Charlie Hudson.
The Kyneton defence was very strong though led by Mathew Mertikas, Tarquin Cameron and Kaleb Bertoni-Dengelo repelling several Strathdale attacks.
The Rangers kept pressing though and following some excellent ball control by Lukasz Bankowski and a few more attempts on goal, they finally broke the deadlock in the 25th minute with Tarquin Cameron’s slashing run down the left flank followed by a powerful left foot strike, which sent the crowd into a frenzy.
Strathdale had an early chance in the second half from a free kick, which looked headed for the top left corner, but goalkeeper Charlie Hudson made a magnificent save with his right hand to deny them once again.
Rangers’ defence was outstanding in the second half with Zeke Scott, Sam Mertikas, Mathew Mertikas and Owen Adams continually stopping Strathdale attacks. However, Strathdale kept trying and they nearly burst through to score at one stage, but their effort was thwarted by Rex Boulton who ran back from midfield to assist the defence.
A key moment came in the 34th minute when a Strath player deliberately touched the ball in the penalty box, handing the Rangers a penalty kick.
Flynn Osmond calmly slotted the goal to double the Rangers advantage.
The hardworking Rangers midfield was mesmerising with constant attacks by Callum Munro, Ernie Rogers, Flynn Osmond and Lukasz Bankowski leading to several more attempts on goal.
Flynn Osmond was everywhere and peppering the goals, when finally a thunderbolt strike in the 51st minute left the Strathdale keeper bewildered and sealed the game for the Rangers.
The Rangers’ win was a brilliant finish to a phenomenal unbeaten season (17-0-0), and coach Daniel Scott was ecstatic with his team.
“I’m just so proud of the boys, they are a very talented group, and they just love to play together, and they really deserved this for all their hard work,” he said.
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STRATHFIELDSAYE will be striving to break Strathdale-Maristians’ reign as first XI champion in this weekend’s Bendigo District Cricket Association grand final.
The Jets and Suns will clash at Queen Elizabeth Oval from noon on Saturday and Sunday.
The grand final is clearly in the Suns’ favour as they contest a first XI grand final for the sixth season in a row.
Strathfieldsaye has not won the Sir John Lienhop Shield as first XI premier since 2001.
In the only meeting between the teams this season, it was the Cam Taylor-captained Suns who dominated play on Strathfieldsaye’s turf at Triple M Park in Tannery Lane.
The Suns scored 5-356 as opening batter Daniel Clohesy struck 116 runs and had great support from Grant Waldron (88), James Barri (64) and Matt Wilkinson (42 not out).
The best of the Jets’ attack was captain Campbell Love with 3-96 off 22 overs.
Strathfieldsaye’s chase was led by opening batter Pat Felmingham (63), but the Jets fell to all out for 189 as Taylor (5-42) and Will Purcell (4-52) wreaked havoc.
The Jets played superbly in last weekend’s first semi-final on Golden Square’s turf at Haymes Paint Shop Oval in Wade Street.
The Bulldogs were bowled out for 189 as Chathura Damith (4-34) and Savith Weerasinghe (4-36) did the damage.
The Jets chased down the target for the loss of just three wickets as Love (70 not out), Weerasinghe (58) and Felmingham (33) led the way.
In the second semi-final, Sandhurst scored 235 in Saturday’s play against Strathdale-Maristians at the QEO as Sam Johnston (4-60), Taylor (3-72) and Purcell (2-44) starred. In a rain-affected match, it was the Suns who reached 5-206 off 74 overs as Taylor (78 not out), Clohesy (44) and Jack Neylon (40) ensured another grand final appearance.
Picture by Adam BourkeThe CV League One season has reached the halfway point and it's hard to see how the men's and women's ladder leaders can lose their respective championships
Tatura holds a six-point advantage in the race for the men's championship
while Spring Gully is one game and a hefty goal difference clear of Shepparton United in the women's championship
While the battle for top spot and the championship in both competitions appears as good as over
the tussle for finals positions will go down to the wire
Epsom's Cooper Arkinstall and Strathdale's Keian Tramm compete for the ball
Strathdale took a big step towards a finals berth when it saw off Epsom 3-2 in an enthralling battle at Beischer Park on Saturday
the Blues fell behind when Epsom left-footer Travis Robertson curled a corner over the Strathdale keeper and inside the back post for a remarkable goal
The Scorpions looked the better side for the first half an hour
but the momentum changed on the back of one sublime pass from Strathdale midfielder Alex Medway
Medway received the ball just inside his own half and launched a long pass that sliced through the Epsom defence and found exciting youngster Ethan Basilewsky on the charge cutting inside from the right
Basilewsky controlled the ball and slammed it into the back of the net to level the scores
View +14 PhotosIn the last play before half-time the Blues took the lead when experienced defender Nick Watson headed home a corner
The game turned again in the early stages of the second half when Strathdale's Beau Hetherington was sent off for a second yellow card offence
That left the Blues vulnerable and the Scorpions threw everything at the home side
The Strathalde defence held together strongly and against the run of play the Blues worked the ball forward and influential midfielder Keian Tramm was taken down in the box
Lonain Burnett put away the resulting penalty kick and the Blues led 3-1
Despite losing centre-back Liam Christensen to a nasty head gash
the Scorpions pounded the ball forward and were eventually rewarded when they were awarded a penalty which was calmly slotted home by Cooper Arkinstall
The visitors pushed everyone forward in the dying stages in a bid to level the scores
but Strathdale held on to collect the three points
"It was a hard game,'' Strathdale coach Kane Goldsworthy said
and they were quite difficult to deal with
"It was a good win considering we went down and had to come back to get the result
It was a must-win for us if we wanted to stay in the top four."
Goldsworthy lauded the performances of Tramm
The result left the Blues in fourth place with 13 points - five clear of fifth-placed Shepparton SC and nine points clear of Epsom in sixth place
Epsom midfielder James Crawley on the hunt for the ball
Picture by Adam BourkeTatura completed a perfect first half of the season when it defeated Shepparton SC 6-2
Young gun Xavier Black and the in-form Fraser Gosstray scored two goals each for the Ibises
while Tristan Zito and Tim Lardner also found the back of the net
Shepparton SC could take solace from the fact it was the first team this championship season to score two goals in a game against the Ibises
FC Eaglehawk bounced back to form with an impressive 4-1 win over Shepparton United
Co-coach Keegan Smyth and Jesse Matthews scored two goals each for a Borough side that consolidated second spot on the ladder
Shepparton South stayed in touch with the Hawks by defeating Spring Gully 8-2 at Stanley Avenue
South star Stephen Appiah scored his third-straight hat-trick at championship level to lead his side to victory
Forward Joel Aitken and coach Lewis Coyle also scored twice for South
Gully's goals were scored by Flynn Hartigan
Ethan Basilewsky scored a goal for the Blues on Saturday.REDS ON FIRE IN LEAGUE ONE WOMENSeven games
no losses and a goal difference of plus 31 - there's not much more Spring Gully could have done in the first half of the League One Women's season
The Reds consolidated top spot thanks to a 6-0 win over Shepparton South on Saturday
Exciting youngster Maddie White scored two goals for the Reds
Abbey Reid and Bella Goggin added their names to the score sheet in another imposing performance from the home side
Shepparton United remains in second place after it put five goals past an understrength FC Eaglehawk side
Hawks coach Zac Burchell said Shepparton United was impressive
but he still leaned towards Spring Gully for the title
"Shepparton United are a good side,'' Burchell said
but I'd still have Spring Gully as the frontrunners
"We only had 11 players because of a couple of injuries
but we went up there and gave it a red hot crack
but I was proud of the way the girls went about it."
Strathfieldsaye Colts United remains in the hunt for a third-straight title after it produced arguably its best performance of the season
thanks largely to a hat-trick from Maddie Ridsdale
Freja Dahl and Bridget Chamberlain also scored for Colts
who are six points behind Spring Gully in third place
Tatura moved inside the top four after its 5-1 win over Kyneton
Joel Selwood has today announced his retirement from the game after a record-breaking career.
Selwood’s career began like many others, in a scene that’s played out across nearly every suburb in the southern states of Australia.
Where little kids and their big dreams chase an odd shaped ball in parks, backyards, school yards and driveways, pretending to be their footy heroes.
It was no different in Strathdale, a suburb three kilometres east of the Bendigo city centre, home to the Selwood family, where brothers Joel, Troy, Adam and Scott would battle it out until Mum, Maree, would call them in for dinner as the sun dipped below the horizon.
Years later, Selwood would spend draft night in that same home alongside his family listening to it on a ‘crackly radio’ when he heard his name called, and an iconic career was born.
Victorious Cats Skipper Joel Selwood spoke to Cats Media directly after the song to give his thoughts on his fourth flag. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.
His accolades, achievements, and awards are too numerous to mention. They read like a kaleidoscope of not just greatness, but of heart, persistence, bravery and a tribute to what he calls the ‘lonely hours' of work and preparation to be Joel Selwood.
Since being drafted to Geelong in 2006, arguably no other person has had the impact that Joel has had within the AFL both on and off the field.
Selwood captained the Cats to the 2022 grand final win on Saturday, making him the only Geelong player to claim four AFL premierships and he will retire after a Club record 355 games, with 239 of those as captain, and 305 of them alongside his great mate Tom Hawkins.
“To have been able to play 16 years with the club I grew up loving is truly a dream come true,” Selwood said.
“To arrive at the Club in 2006 and to share the field with so many great players and to have enjoyed the successes together is better than I could ever have imagined. And to cap it off on Saturday with the Premiership was a great way to finish.”
Premiership teammate Patrick Dangerfield reflected on Selwood’s impact on the Club.
“He is a close friend, and a mentor, but it’s difficult to articulate what it means to play alongside Joel, you just walk taller because he gives you so much confidence.
“So much of our success as a club over the last 10 years is because of him.
“If we all aimed to have a little bit of Joel in each of us the world would be a better place.”
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Geelong Cats AFLW captain Meg McDonald spoke of the impact Selwood has had not just on the football club, but on the broader community.
“The enormity of Joel’s impact on our Club is immeasurable, his excellence on field is only matched by his kindness off it,” she said.
“Uncompromising performance, connection to community, warmth, and humility.
“The sense of pride that we all get from pulling on the Hoops and representing the Cats is as deep as it is because of what Joel has made it represent. A standard of performance on the field, inside the Cattery, and in the community, that we all seek to emulate.
“Every team within our Club, old and new, men’s and women’s, football and non-football, aspires to work and give just as he has.
“His attention to our people and our place – his care for culture – has built the environment that we all love and enjoy today.”
Long-time teammate Tom Hawkins said he has savoured every moment that he has spent both on and off the field with his great friend.
“I'm forever grateful of having the experience with Joel Selwood,” Hawkins said.
“To have people alongside me like Joel on this journey, to help guide me through my career has been unbelievable. Joel's CV is as long as and as good as anyone’s that's ever played the game. Down at the football club, Joel will go down as the greatest, in my eyes, the greatest Geelong player to have ever played for the club.”
Harry Taylor, former teammate and current Head of Medical and Conditioning Services, once summed up Joel perfectly; “the best way to describe Joel Selwood for the impact he has had on our club and community (and the greater game), is he is already in the room with Legends, even though his name isn’t on the wall yet.
Geelong premiership captain Joel Selwood spoke to AFL.com.au post-game.
Two-time Geelong premiership coach Chris Scott said that Selwood was the Club’s greatest ever player.
“I said earlier this season leading into Joel’s 350th match that he is the greatest player I have seen, and I haven’t changed my mind,” Scott said.
“I feel so privileged to have worked with such a great captain and in terms of impact on a football club and support to a senior coach, I can’t think of anyone better.
“He’s an extraordinary player and has always prioritised others over individual achievements. I feel enormously proud and thankful to have been part of Joel Selwood’s career.”
Geelong Cats CEO Steve Hocking paid tribute on behalf of the Club to a special player, but also an incredible person.
“There are no words that could do justice to what Joel Selwood has done for Geelong, the AFL and wider community over the last 16 seasons.
“He’s been one of the greatest players over the past decade and has been an incredible role model for every Geelong player he has played alongside and every staff member he has worked with.
“Joel made an impact at the Club right from his first season, and there’s no doubt without his leadership as captain over the last 10 years we wouldn’t have experienced the success we have.
“We have been extremely fortunate to have had him wearing the hoops and leading our Club and we congratulate him on the outstanding career he has had. He is a man of high integrity and has carried himself on and off the field with great distinction and class throughout his playing career.
“We would also like to thank and congratulate Joel’s wife Brit and his parents Maree, Bryce and brothers Adam, Troy and Scott, they have ridden the wave with him, provided support and have been great supporters of Geelong, as Neil Balme said, you can never have enough Selwoods.”
When Joel Selwood leaves the building for the last time whenever that is, his locker cleared of boots, socks and strapping, it’ll never really be empty, the Selwood legacy will endure.
From now on, every player that walks through those same doors, filling up their locker for the first time with their own footy dreams, will need look no further than the number 14 to know what being a part of the Geelong Football Club is all about.
Ollie Dempsey continues to go from strength to strength after another stellar display at MCG on Saturday night
The AFL coaches votes are in for Geelong's thrilling win over Collingwood on Saturday night at the MCG
Check out everything you can expect to see on the Cats channels in the build up to Sunday's clash with the GWS Giants
Take an early glance ahead to Sunday's big clash with the GWS Giants at GMHBA Stadium
Geelong Cats defender Lawson Humphries has entered the AFL concussion protocol following Saturday's game against Collingwood
Jack Bowes joined 3AW on Sunday morning to chat through the big win over Collingwood at the MCG.
Following his sensational outing against the Magpies, Patrick Dangerfield joined ABC Sport to talk through the incredible win on Saturday night.
Chris Scott praised the performance of Geelong's captain on Saturday night, helping to steer the Cats to a brilliant victory
Jeremy Cameron's post game celebrations took a turn when his premiership medal was 'stolen' from him by a cow. Yes, a cow.
Look back at some behind the scenes access, after a huge win against the Pies at the 'G
Ollie Dempsey spoke to Cats Media after a thrilling finish against the Pies. Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.
After an importance performance down back in a thrilling win, Mark O'Connor spoke to Cats Media! Proudly Presented by Ford Australia.
Watch Geelong’s press conference after round eight’s match against Collingwood
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Golden Glade property in Strathdale
DCK Real Estate licensed agent Kaye Lazenby is managing the listing alongside fellow licensed agent Leonie Butler
the home had a good family feel with owners Ron and Maureen Poyser
"It is the sort of property where you feel like your home is a private resort," she said
"It is three-quarters of an acre backing on to a national park
Ms Lazenby said Mr Poyser bought the property from the owners who built it
"Ron (and his family) have been there for 21 years and have had such fun with their all grandkids," she said
"They said the grandkids were always happy to go there and as they got older
they didn't stop visiting because there is always something to do and plenty of room
The only reason Ron and Maureen are leaving is that they are building a new home
The time has come to hand the baton to the next family to enjoy
"The family has been repeat clients over the years and the referral came from friends who we recently sold properties for."
Ms Lazenby said a lot more went in to marketing such a high-priced property
"There is video and 3D walkthroughs of areas of the property," she said
"You don't know where a buyer may come from - even overseas - so people have to be able to see it properly
"It wouldn't surprise me if it is a fast turnaround because it is an amazing property
"If a buyer lets it slip between their fingers
when is the next opportunity for something like this
Ms Lazenby previously held Bendigo's record residential sale price when she sold a Forest Street property for $2.595 million
In April that record was broken by McKean McGregor's Amy Sim when she sold another home in Forest Street for $3.3 million.
Bendigo's reputation for offering million-dollar properties has increased in recent years
"When you compare it to Melbourne properties going between three or five million
Bendigo has so much more to offer," Ms Lazenby said
"You purchase your own home and the lifestyle of Bendigo
There are so many facilities here now that a lot more people are settling here
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Chris has been with the Bendigo Advertiser for more than 10 years. He has great passion for the performing arts and is very supportive of the Bendigo live music scene. Outside of the news world Chris plays golf and, regardless of the result, loves watching St Kilda play in the AFL. He loves community theatre and has performed on stage with the Bendigo Theatre Company and worked with Baldrick himself, Tony Robinson. Story tips: chris.pedler@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Picture by Enzo TomasielloIN A HISTORIC move for Bendigo region netball
the Golden City Netball Association and Bendigo Strathdale Netball Association will join forces in 2024 to trial a new competition alignment
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe associations issued a joint statement late last week to announce their commitment to a trial season
junior and secondary netball competitions will be governed and administered under the new umbrella of the Central Victorian Netball Association (CVNA)
three days of competition will be played at the Golden City courts in West Bendigo next season
they include 18-and-under female divisions one to four and mixed divisions one and two on Fridays; 11-and-under
13-and-under and all-abilities teams on Saturdays; and open 18-and-over divisions one and two
and mixed divisions one and two on Wednesday nights
The groundbreaking arrangement will bring together the two long-running associations for the first time
the GCNA has been running competitions since 1962
GCNA president Rachel Thomsen and BSNA president Nikki Boulter declared the trial as a 'win-win' for both associations and the sport
An excited Thomsen said she was looking forward seeing how the relationship between the two associations evolved and viewed the move as an extension of the arrangement that saw the BSNA using the Golden City's courts in 2023
"We have basically been letting the BSNA use our courts on Friday nights and that has been ongoing," she said
"We've needed to increase our participation levels
but that wasn't going to happen when you have the majority of another association at the same venue
"There's been different discussions between us over the years
but we felt it was time for us to have some serious conversations about the future
"There was a plan that was put to us and both executives thought why not just trial governing and administering a competition together
but we are really excited to give this a go
"A lot of the clubs will probably have questions to start off with
but we are committed to making this work and we are going in with a really positive attitude
but I just feel we will be stronger together
particularly around trying to secure funding for lights and those kinds of things."
GCNA president Rachel Thomsen and BSNA president Nikki Boulter
Picture by Enzo TomasielloBSNA president Boulter
"Both the BSNA and Golden City have both had their struggles over the past couple of years
so this is a way for both associations to grow together and to increase participation in the sport," she said
"The BSNA has grown a lot over the last few years
to the point we were one of the biggest junior associations in central Victoria
our struggles largely have been about having a permanent home and having the amount of courts we've needed to accommodate our players."
Boulter said a new era of co-operation between the associations was off to a positive start
"It's definitely taken two like-minded executive committees to get to the point where we are at now," she said
"There were times in our history when this wouldn't have happened
but Rachel and I are very like-minded presidents and feel we have come together to deliver a very positive outcome."
It's not the first time BSNA teams have shared the court with Golden City-affiliated teams
Some BSNA teams were represented in the Golden City competition run during COVID in 2020
There's been different discussions between us over the years
Thomsen said the associations would continue to work with Netball Victoria on the future structure of competitions
but it's a trial to see how we can work together and how we can bring our respective strengths to the competition," she said
"We probably run our competitions much differently
but I am sure we can find that common ground and get a really positive outcome for netball."
The new CVNA season is scheduled to start in early April
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueTaylor's career-best season earned him the Bill Stephenson Trophy for a fourth time after he previously won it in 2011-12
Taylor moved clear of three-time winners - Eaglehawk and Golden Square great Wayne Walsh
Kangaroo Flat opening bowler Adam Burns and Golden Square all-rounder Scott Johnson
Taylor's standout home and away season of 906 runs at an average of 69 and 31 wickets made him the hot favourite for the award
The left-hand opening batsman and leg-spin bowler polled in eight of the 13 rounds and finished with 21 votes - five clear of his closest rival Kyle Humphrys from Bendigo
Read more: Taylor's drive to succeed
while third placegetter Ben Devanny (14 votes) is also a previous winner
Taylor also won the Leon Grose Trophy as the first XI champion player
the Herb Turner Trophy for the premier batting aggregate and Barry Ayres Trophy for the best batting average
The BDCA awards night is traditionally held the week after the grand final
but COVID-19 restrictions forced the cancellation of the function
The BDCA presented the awards on Friday night via a Facebook stream
IN A SPIN: Strathfieldsaye's Savith Priyan had a brilliant season with the ball.First XICricketer of the Year
Bill Stephenson Trophy - Cameron Taylor (SM)
ALL-ROUNDER: Golden Square's Scott Trollope won the T20 Player of the Year award.Champion player
Leon Grose Trophy - Cameron Taylor (SM) 1296 points
Herb Turner Trophy - Cameron Taylor (SM) 906 runs at 69.69
Ron Salter Trophy - Savith Priyan (S-saye) 35 wickets at 10.14
Barry Ayres Trophy - Cameron Taylor (SM) 906 runs
Hank Watts Trophy - Savith Pryan (S'saye) 35 wickets
Garry Tupper Trophy - Chris Barber (KF) 12 catches and two run outs
Ron Slattery Trophy - Xavier Ryan (Bgo) 34 dismissals
Twenty20 Player of the Year - Scott Trollope (GS) 214 points
Under-21 Player of the Year - Ben Birkhead (KF)
Under-18 Player of the Year - Angus Chisholm (Eh)
Ian Phillips Memorial Club championship - Strathfieldsaye
Jim Styles Under-18 Player of the Year - Ben Williams (Eh)
Symes Motors BMW Challenge Cup - Huntly-North Epsom
Barry Ayres Spirit of Cricket - White Hills
TALENT: Bendigo's Ren Doyle was one of the stars of the inaugural women's cricket competition.Women's cricketChampion player - Paige Conder (EC) 366 points
Batting aggregate - Ren Doyle (Bgo) 210 runs
Bowling aggregate - Paige Conder (EC) 12 wickets
Fielding trophy - Tara Slender (S'saye) 6 catches
Wicket-keeping trophy - Chelsey Collinson (KF) 8 dismissals
George Firth Trophy - Daryl Muns (Eh) 12 votes
Champion player - Luke Baird (GS) 586 points
Batting average - Mitch Kemp (GS) 250 runs at 83.33
Batting aggregate - Darly Muns (Eh) 430 runs
Bowling average - Sam Fitt (Eh) 22 wickets at 8.68
Bowling aggregate - Sam Bates (SM) 28 wickets
Wicket-keeping trophy - Darcy Bakes (SM) and Darcy Radford (S'saye) 28 dismissals
Champion player - Scott Harper (BUCC) 702 points
Batting average - Matt Ford (Eh) 313 runs at 78.25
Bowling average - Scott Harper (BUCC) 27 wickets at 6.11
Batting aggregate - John Lalor (GS) 474 runs
Bowling aggregate - Scott Harper (BUCC) 27 wickets
Champion player - Phil Kerr (Eh) 608 points
Batting average - Kaileb Anglin (KF) 203 runs at 67.67
Bowling average - Kyen Burill-Grinton (HNE) 18 wickets at 11.50
Batting aggregate - Phil Kerr (Eh) 478 runs
Fielding - Judd Gilchrist (HNE) 12 catches
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Picture by Enzo TomasielloThursday night's wet weather did little to dampen the spirits of Strathdale's next generation of female soccer stars
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueIn conjunction with Football Federation Victoria's Female Football Week
Strathdale Soccer Club hosted an elite female football clinic
Past and present Melbourne Victory W-League players were on hand to showcase skills of the game to more than 70 players from BASL clubs Strathdale and La Trobe University
"The kids loved the mud and they had a ball,'' Strathdale SC secretary and junior co-ordinator Rachel Oper said
View +23 PhotosPictures by Enzo TomasielloFormer Melbourne Victory player and current assistant coach Caitlin Friend led the clinic with support from Melbourne Victory skipper Kayla Morrison and her team-mate Paige Szois
Maja Markovski and Colombian squad member Isabel Dehakiz - team-mates at Bulleen Lions - were also part of the clinic
"The girls idolised the players,'' Oper said
"They got to learn some skills and ask all the questions they wanted
Oper, who was a member of Strathdale's inaugural senior women's team in 1997, said the success of the clinic was a sign of just how far female soccer has advanced at her club.
"Last year we had 60 female players from five-year-olds to women and this year we have 84 registered female players even though we don't have a senior women's team,'' Oper said
To have all girls teams in junior competitions is new for Bendigo and it's growing rapidly
"Growing up I always had to play in mixed teams and I'm sure it was a deterrent for some girls."
Oper said La Trobe University's female program was a welcome addition to the clinic
"It was nice for us to develop the relationship with La Trobe while we don't have a women's team,'' Oper said
"The La Trobe Uni girls loved the opportunity to learn something new from a different perspective."
Picture: DARREN HOWEDuring the BDCA finals there's every chance Cameron Taylor will break a league record that few thought could be broken
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Strathdale-Maristians star needs 57 runs to eclipse Tony Taig's BDCA-best mark of 962 runs in a season set in 2003-04
Going into the weekend's semi-final clash with White Hills
Taylor has 906 runs - 185 more than his previous season best set in 2011-12 and 168 more than his past two seasons combined
For good measure he's taken 31 wickets at 12.16 with his leg-spinners
On March 25 it would be a major surprise if Taylor doesn't add another BDCA Cricketer of the Year award to his name
He would become the first player in league history to win the award four times
Adam Burns and Scott Johnson are the only other players to win it three times
how has Taylor taken his game to another level
BDCA's BEST: Strathdale-Maristians' all-rounder Cameron Taylor during his career-best season with the bat
Picture: NONI HYETTDavid Bakes played with and against Wayne Walsh in the 1980s and 1990s and has coached Taylor at Strathdale for the past five years
Bakes said Taylor's mental application to cricket was similar to his champion team-mate Walsh
"They're very similar in their determination,'' Bakes said of Taylor and Walsh
"Walshy wasn't one of the best batsmen I played with (in terms of style)
but his determination made him a superstar because he just refused to go out
"Cameron used to nick off for fun at times
but he's that driven to succeed that he's worked on a couple of areas of his game
The best example of Taylor's unwavering drive to improve came five years ago
but he also couldn't play off his legs,'' Bakes said
"A lot of the bowlers in the league didn't know that because they wouldn't bowl at him there
"That leg-side play is something we've worked on for the past five years
Cameron Taylor celebrates a century against White Hills
Picture: ADAM BOURKE"In the Regional Big Bash final (earlier this summer) he won the game by hitting three on-drives in a row for four
That's how far he's come with his leg-side play
"Five years ago he couldn't have played those shots
I'd like to think I've played a little hand in helping him
but the drive had to come from him to work on his game
but he recognised he had a weakness in his game and he put the work in so that he'd improve
Taylor's ability with the bat and ball makes him a captain's dream
Suns' skipper Ben DeAraugo has watched on with pride as Taylor produced an all-round season that's unlikely to be matched anytime soon
but mainly team success,'' DeAraugo said of Taylor
"He wants to do anything he can to make the team succeed
"He's worked really hard to get the most out of the ability he's got
"One of his greatest strengths is he knows his game and knows his strengths and he doesn't go out of them
"He sticks to his plan and he knows what works
so in the heat of the battle he knows when to attack and when to be patient."
Taylor stands at the front of a very long queue of Suns players that White Hills need to contain this weekend
Fresh in the Demons' memory would be Taylor's 178 when the two sides last met in round 10
Read more: Top 50 in the Bendigo Addy BDCA MVP
Tobi Jelbart and Lynne Cooper are looking forward to a big night of carolling.The Rotary Club of Bendigo Strathdale is all set for its annual Community Christmas Carols tonight
The club promises that it will be a big night of family fun
Publicity officer Lynne Cooper said the community should get into the Christmas spirit and celebrate with friends and family.“There will be choir performances and
Carol books and glow sticks will be provided for a small donation and carollers should bring their own chair and a warm rug in case it gets cold.“Get down to the park early because we are expecting a big crowd,” Ms Cooper said
The festivities will begin at 8pm tonight at Strathdale Park
Picture by Noni HyettStrathdale-Maristians closed the gap on the top four with a hard-fought win over West Bendigo in Sunday's BDCA women's cricket action
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe fifth-placed Suns are only net run rate out of the top four after scoring their second win of the season
the Suns were seven wickets down when they reeled in West Bendigo's score of 6-73 off 25 overs
West Bendigo's innings was built around a tenacious knock from opener Madison Cleeland
Cleeland put a price on her wicket and faced 60 balls in her team-high score of 27
She was the only Redback to reach double figures
with five of their seven bowlers taking one wicket each
View +17 PhotosNew-ball bowler Paige Gordon had the tidy figures of 1-8 off five overs
The Suns' run chase started disastrously with both openers failing to score
Bella Eddy (17 off 19 balls) put the Suns on top before a middle-order collapse gave the Redbacks a sniff of victory
Stacey Macdonald (12 not out) kept calm and saw the Suns over the line in the 19th over
Mackenzee Porter was superb with the ball for the Redbacks
Cleeland capped a fine all-round game by taking 2-28
Unbeaten teams Golden Square and Sandhurst continued their winning form
Square proved too good for Bendigo on the back of a fine unbeaten half-century from Tammy Norquay
The opener batted through the Dogs' innings and made 74 not out off 72 balls
Some late hitting from Megan Baird (29 not out off 28 balls) helped Norquay lift the total to an imposing 4-185 off 25 overs
Norquay and Baird added an unbroken 64 for the fifth-wicket
Lila Keck didn't take a wicket for Bendigo
but she was the most economical bowler with 0-13 off four overs
Bendigo's run chase never really gathered any momentum
Keck made 15 off 22 balls and the next highest score was eight in a team total of all out 69
Abby Popple (2-12) and Paige Conder (2-29) were the destroyers for the Bulldogs
Reigning premier Sandhurst outclassed the Bendigo Goers
A career-high 69 not out off 61 balls from Maree Pearce was the highlight for the Dragons
Pearce and opening partner Kate Shallard (56 off 51 balls) added 121 for the first wicket
with Shallard posting her second half-century of the season
Britney Mueck (1-13) was the only successful bowler for the Goers
with Ren Haeusler and Mueck putting plenty of pressure on Sandhurst's bowlers
They added 29 in the first two-and-a-half overs before Mueck fell for 16 of 11 balls
but when she departed the Goers' chances went with her
the Goers lost 6-12 to be all out for 61 in 11.2 overs
All six Sandurst bowlers used claimed at least one wicket
Sam Johnston and Tom Purcell had a great first half of the Bendigo District Cricket Association season
Pictures by Adam BourkeThe most dominant club in the Bendigo District Cricket Association for the past decade is showing no signs of decline
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueStrathdale-Maristians enter the resumption of the 2023-24 season on Saturday on top of the first XI ladder
An under-rated strength of the Suns undefeated run in the first half of the summer was its pace attack
Wily veteran Sam Johnston and young guns Jack Pysing and Tom Purcell have developed into a potent pace unit
The trio has taken 44 wickets between them in the opening six matches of the season
"We've always had Sam (Johnston) to rely on at the top and in the past we've had some really good pace attacks,'' Suns' skipper Cam Taylor said
"Jack (Pysing) over the last few years has made the new ball his spot and the way Tom (Purcell) has been bowling this year it's as if we have a whole new weapon at our disposal
"We've gone from having a spin-heavy attack to a really balanced line-up at the moment
The Suns play bottom side Huntly North in a one-day clash at Huntly on Saturday
the winless Power gave the Suns some trouble in their two-day clash earlier this summer
Saturday's clash is about adding another block to its solid foundation
"You have to put yourself in the best position so that other factors don't come into it come finals time,'' Taylor said
Picture by Adam Bourke"We're in the position we want to be in at the moment
but we need to maintain that to make sure we're set up for the business end of the season
the most intriguing game in round seven is at Harry Trott Oval where fourth-placed Bendigo United hosts fifth-placed Bendigo
The Redbacks and Goers are equal on 24 points with third-placed Kangaroo Flat
That trio are just one win ahead of Strathfieldsaye and White Hills in a battle for the final two places in the top four
Bendigo United defeated Bendigo in their two-day encounter in round four
but since then the Goers produced their best cricket of the summer so far
The return of Miggy Podosky adds some potency to the Rebacks' pace attack
The home side's new ball bowling will be crucial against Bendigo's in-form top-order of Xavier Ryan
Kangaroo Flat and White Hills will be without key players for their clash at Dower Park
The Roos' opening bowler Luke Stagg and Demons' skipper Brayden Stepien are in Newcastle with the Victoria Country team at the Australian Country Cricket Championships
Strathfieldsaye needs to defeat the struggling Eaglehawk at Canterbury Park to stay in touch with the top four
while second-placed Sandhurst should continue its winning form when it takes on Golden Square at Wade Street
A subdivision at Pratts Park Road could go ahead despite overwhelming objections from neighbouring residents
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueCity of Greater Bendigo's council is expected to request the state government's Minister for Planning to appoint an independent panel to review the submissions made for an amendment to the planning scheme and planning permit application
The amendment proposes to rezone the land at 15 and 21 Pratts Park Road
and delete the Development Plan Overlay Schedule Four (DPO4)
allowing for the subdivision of the land into 39 residential lots
MORE NEWS: Architect firm director demands Commonwealth Games development stays local
The submissions included a joint one from 30 residents at Northmoor Drive
The main concerns were not with the amendment
which a council officer said was "logical" for the subdivision to go ahead
"The most common concern raised in the opposing submissions related to the proposed extension of Northmoor Drive," the City officer said in a report to be presented to councillors at Monday's council meeting
"Other issues included traffic impact at the intersection of Pratts Park Road and McIvor Road
stormwater drainage and the removal of the DPO4."
The City officer said the council's position remained that "the extension of Northmoor Drive to the new road within the proposed subdivision is the most logical approach from an orderly planning perspective
Northmoor Drive - currently a closed court - will be extended to a new road which would join Pratts Park Road
Most objectors noted increased traffic and safety concerns in their submissions
however the City officer said the increase was "expected to be negligible"
"Northmoor Drive has been designed and has the capacity to accommodate two-way traffic," the officer said
"The traffic impact assessment provided with the report prepared
on the basis of 39 lots has estimated the development will generate 34 vehicles per hour during the morning and afternoon peak hours."
Picture suppliedThe extension of Northmoor Drive would also allow the residential development "to integrate with the existing street network" meeting the City's planning scheme need for "safe and easy movement through and between neighbourhoods for pedestrians
public transport and other motor vehicles"
Once the independent panel hearing is held
council will decide whether to adopt or abandon the amendment
Digital subscribers now have the convenience of faster news, right at your fingertips with the Bendigo Advertiser app. Click here to download
Jonathon has been living and working in Bendigo since March 2021, currently working as a general reporter. Contact him on jonathon.magrath@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
Picture: LUKE WESTFOR the second time during its era of domination in the Bendigo District Cricket Association Strathdale-Maristians has completed a premiership hat-trick
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Suns defeated Strathfieldsaye by six wickets with nine balls to spare at the Queen Elizabeth Oval on Saturday
2021 and 2020 BDCA premierships as part of an overall dynasty in which it has captured eight of the past 12 first XI flags dating back to 2011
Those eight flags also include another three-peat in 2011
Batting first after skipper Ben Devanny won the toss
the Jets compiled 9-181 off their 45 overs
In reply the Suns needed 43.3 overs to chase down their target as they answered with 4-182
For the second year in a row Strathdale-Maristians' captain Cameron Taylor was awarded the Taylor Walsh Medal as the best player in the grand final
All-rounder Taylor capped another outstanding season with 3-45 off his nine overs of leg spin before top-scoring for the Suns with 67 opening the batting
Jack Neylon (60) also made a half-century for the Suns
with he and Taylor adding 91 runs for the third wicket
while the winning runs were hit by teenager James Barri (18 n.o.) in his first grand final
The grand final's highest run-scorer was Strathfieldsaye No.3 Abe Sheahan
Sheahan grinded out a patient 78 off 142 balls
team-mates Barri (2-33) and Ben DeAraugo (2-26) and Strathfieldsaye left-arm spinner Savith Priyan (2-28)
who claimed the scalps of Daniel Clohesy (30) and Grant Waldron (0) in consecutive deliveries
were all multiple wicket-takers in the game
While it's another premiership celebration for Strathdale-Maristians
Strathfieldsaye's flag drought continues to linger
with the club's last first XI triumph remaining 2001
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueIT has long been said the mark of any champion player is the ability to stand up and perform when the pressure is at its greatest
And when it comes to the Bendigo District Cricket Association over the past 20 years
no-one has done it better than Strathdale-Maristians' stalwart Ben DeAraugo
but it could easily be "Big Game Ben" such has been the record DeAraugo has carved out when the stakes have been at their greatest
READ MORE: Crawford hands long-standing Suns' games record over to DeAraugo
Four Taylor-Walsh Medals as the best player in the BDCA grand final is testament to DeAraugo's capacity to perform on the biggest of stages and one of the reasons why he's forged the reputation as one of the greats of the competition
DeAraugo is an eight-time premiership player with Strathdale-Maristians and on Saturday - weather permitting - will become the first player in Suns' history to play 300 first XI games
with game 300 coming 22 years after DeAraugo made his first XI debut as a 16-year-old in October of 2000 against Strathfieldsaye
Ben DeAraugo bowling for Strathdale-Maristians during a game in November of 2011.DeAraugo's first captain was another all-time great of the BDCA in Barry Findlay
who was immediately impressed by the work ethic of the teenager during the pre-season heading into 2000-01
"I had come back to Strathdale and really didn't know anything about Ben
He turned up to training on the first night and he just bowled unreal," Findlay recalled this week
"He didn't miss a training and I think there may have been a few who were surprised that I picked him for the first game
But the way in which he applied himself at training
Ben DeAraugo in 2006.DeAraugo went wicket-less in his first game - a match the Suns lost by 34 runs - but it was the launch of a career that 22 years on has yielded 417 wickets and 5223 runs for Strathdale
"300 games of senior cricket is just enormous
but to do it at the one club and maintain the level he has is just unbelievable," Findlay said
"When he started he was basically a straight-up quick bowler who didn't bat much
then he turned into an all-rounder and now he's almost just a batsman who bowls a few spinners
Ben DeAraugo after winning the Taylor-Walsh Medal in 2014-15."But really
the big story about Ben is as good a cricketer as he has been
It's hard to believe it when you talk about him having eight premierships and
there's probably three or four that he won either off his own bat or his bowling."
Of DeAraugo's catalogue of grand final performances
there's three in particular that immediately spring to mind where the result could have been very different had he not been part of the Suns' side
READ MORE: DeAraugo to play game 200 for Suns
The first is the 2010-11 grand final against Bendigo United at Harry Trott Oval
Batting first the Suns were on the ropes at 5-42 when DeAraugo began his innings
A couple of hours later DeAraugo walked off Harry Trott Oval with an unbeaten 86
the Suns had reached 9-241 and the following day bowled the Redbacks out for 147
Ben DeAraugo during the 2014-15 season.Twelve months later - again against old foe Bendigo United at Harry Trott Oval - the Suns had crashed from 0-93 to 5-133 and desperately needed to steady their innings
peeling off 72 and helping the Suns to 270 before bowling the Redbacks out for 236 the next day
But it's hard to go past his heroics with the bat in the 2014-15 decider against Strathfieldsaye at Kangaroo Flat as DeAraugo's most iconic grand final performance
Ben DeAraugo in 2007.Even the most parochial of Suns' supporters must have thought it was a mountain too steep to climb when Strathdale had slumped to 8-159 in the 73rd over chasing the Jets' 226
The target had still been an unlikely 50 runs off five overs and 42 off four
yet in a remarkable climax it was the DeAraugo brothers - Ben and Jake - who dug the Suns out of a hole with an unbroken 69-run partnership to win the flag
hitting the winning runs with a boundary off the third ball of the final over
READ MORE: DeAraugo brothers deliver in epic grand final
That innings of DeAraugo is certainly firmly etched into the memory of his great mate and the captain of that Suns' premiership team
"That was just unbelievable on a number of fronts," Jacobs said
we were in a really tough position chasing Strathfieldsaye's score
but in the week leading up to the grand final Ben and Jake's grandfather Horrie passed away
Ben DeAraugo plays a cut shot during his match-winning innings of 78 n.o
against Strathfieldsaye in the 2014-15 grand final."They were both really close with their grandfather
so to have the emotion of that and then come out and do what they did late in the game was super
we were cooked in that grand final and it's amazing to look back on what happened that day."
Jacobs is one seven captains who have skippered DeAraugo throughout his career from Findlay through to Cameron Taylor
Taylor himself took over the captaincy last season from DeAraugo and admits to having some big shoes to fill when he was appointed
"There's two things that stand out for me with Ben," Taylor said
"The first being his performances in grand finals
in particular the partnership he had with Jake in 2015 against Strathfieldsaye
"He had already won the Taylor-Walsh Medal three times and it probably got to a point where you think
"So to pull off that run chase from the position we were in over the last five overs was really impressive
the bowling performance that stands out was a game we played against Bendigo where we had an outright win
he took the 300th wicket of his career and finished with 11 or 12 for the match
He was taking wickets by hitting players on the gloves
that's what I think of when looking back at Ben's peak as a fast bowler."
That game in round seven of the 2012-13 season stands out as the greatest bowling performance of DeAraugo's career as he finished with a match total of 11-58 - 4-20 in the first innings and 7-38 in the second
Ben DeAraugo in 2016."Probably what resonates the most with me is just how calm and measured Ben is," Suns' coach Grant Waldron said
"His demeanor and influence on the playing group holds him in really good stead to execute to such a high standard when he is in those pressure situations
"He's very selfless and would much rather pump others up than talk about himself
He's a deep thinker of the game and just loves everything about Strathdale."
DeAraugo will become just the 12th player in BDCA history to play 300 first XI games
with his achievement to be celebrated at Bell Oval from 7.30pm Saturday night
Strathdale-Maristians' star Ben DeAraugo set to join BDCA's 300-game clubStrathdale-Maristians' star Ben DeAraugo set to join BDCA's 300-game clubStrathdale-Maristians' star Ben DeAraugo set to join BDCA's 300-game clubStrathdale-Maristians' star Ben DeAraugo set to join BDCA's 300-game clubStrathdale-Maristians' star Ben DeAraugo set to join BDCA's 300-game clubOur journalists work hard to provide local
The Bendigo Strathdale Rotary Club is folding at the end of the year
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueOutgoing president Lyn Comer said the club's closure is because a new president and board members haven't been nominated
"There are some members who have been president twice
with some of those still working full-time
"I didn't do my first presidency until I retired," Ms Comer said
"Some people think it is a lot of work but it is really what you want to put into it and how much work you create for yourself."
The club is best known for its Christmas Raffle
which has been a fixture of the festive season for more than 20 years
Ms Comer said the raffle won't be lost to the community
with two local Rotary clubs expected to step in
Rotary District Governor Grant Hocking said the club's decision to fold was made earlier this year and is unrelated to COVID-19
"The club have had a proud and vibrant history supporting many groups in their local community and around the world," Mr Hocking said
"Most members are moving to one of the other five Rotary clubs in Bendigo."
Ms Comer will be taking a break from Rotary duties
Other club members have flagged they will join other clubs
including Rotary Club of Bendigo Sandhurst and Bendigo South
the club's members will have either resigned or transferred to another club
will continue until December 31 to clear out the Rotary club's Park Street facilities
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe Suns won the toss and sent the Power in
Picture by Darren HoweStrathdale-Maristians and Maiden Gully Marist Gold celebrated premiership success in Bendigo District Cricket Association junior action at the weekend
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe under-12A and under-12B division grand finals were the first premierships decided for the season and it was the Suns and Maiden Gully who triumphed in high quality contests
Strathdale was sent into bat by Maiden Gully Marist in the under-12A decider
Skipper Jed Monaghan held the Suns' innings together and he finished 21 not out
Elijah Willits (13) and Patrick Ingram (11) batted well for Strathdale
Leg-spinner Zac Cavalier (2-18) was the most successful bowler
Tarkyn Ralphs and Patterson Murphy took one wicket each
View +24 PhotosMaiden Gully Marist made a solid start to its run chase
but the Suns turned the game on its head by taking 6-19 in an eight-over period
At 6-32 Maiden Gully Marist looked in deep trouble
Nash James gave his side a lift by making a quickfire 25 off just 20 balls
Hudson Ruffell (14 not out) and Jhak Burke (10) reached double-figures for Maiden Gully
but it wasn't enough to deny the Suns victory
Maiden Gully finished 7-79 off its 20 overs - nine runs short of the Suns' target
All 10 of the Suns' bowlers did their job with the ball
Fraser Maddren (2-9) was the only multiple wicket-taker
Elijah Willits and Josh Turner all picked up one wicket each
with Maiden Gully Marist Gold holding off Golden Square by four runs
READ MORE: Catch up on the weekend's local sport news
Ryder Edwards bowls for Strathdale-Maristians
Picture by Darren HoweChasing Maiden Gully Marist's score of 6-109
the Bulldogs needed four runs off the final ball to tie the scores
but they lost a wicket and Maiden Gully celebrated victory
Best performers for Maiden Gully were Henry Pepper (22 not out and 1-17)
Jagger Benaim (14) and Harry Clapp (13 and 1-9)
Declan Dupille (19 not out and 1-10) and Charles Nihill (2-3) were the stars for the Bulldogs
Semi-finals were played in the under-16 and under-14 divisions
Bendigo United will meet Strathdale-Maristians in the grand final
The Redbacks lost just two wickets as it chased down Kangaroo Flat's total of 162
Eamon Austin (4-20) and Kobi MacDonald (3-9) were superb for the Redbacks
Maiden Gully Marist's Patterson Murphy
Picture by Darren HoweJack Burns (59 not out) and Clayton Smith (43) were best for Kangaroo Flat
Strathdale upset Eaglehawk on the back of a fine all-round performance from Hamish McNamara (37 and 3-4)
Xavier Grant made 52 and Jack Irwin 29 in the Suns' score of 176
The top two teams in the under-16B division - Golden Square and White Hills - both lost at the semi-final stage
Golden Square lost to Sandhurst by three wickets
while White Hills went down to Bendigo by 10 runs
Strathfieldsaye and Maiden Gully Marist advanced to the under-14A grand final after defeating Bendigo United and Eaglehawk respectively
Bendigo United's Vincent Cooney (27 and 2-10) and Strathfieldsaye's Tyson Sherwell (18 and 2-5) had solid weekends with bat and ball
Max Egan (32 not out) and Josh Bellenger (3-15) led the way for Maiden Gully
while Henry Miller (26) and James Grainger (3-13) were best for the Borough
Strathfieldsaye and White Hills won the under-14B semi-finals
Picture by Darren HoweUNDER-16A SEMI-FINALS
Nicholson 2-20) def Golden Square 7-98 (Mulqueen 32
Strathfieldsaye 9-125 (Cooney 2-10) def Bendigo United 107 (Cooney 27; Sherwell 2-5
Hargreaves 24; Grainger 3-13) def Eaglehawk 96 (Miller 26; Bellenger 3-15
White Hills 4-137 (Kleinert 28*; Fitzallen 2-11) def Golden Square 5-133 (Donnelly 28*; Salter 2-8)
Kirke 20*; Edwards 2-5) def Sandhurst 8-66 (Kirke 2-4
Strathdale-Maristians Suns 8-88 (Monaghan 21*; Z
Cavalier 2-18) def Maiden Gully Marist 7-79 (James 25; Maddren 2-9)
Maiden Gully Marist Gold 6-109 (Pepper 22*; Nihill 2-3) def Golden Square 8-105 (Allen 25; Stone 3-7)
when the newly created Central Netball Victorian Association's 13-and-under representative team claimed Association Championships title success
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe 12-player team
coached by Sandhurst's four-time A-grade premiership coach Tamara Gilchrist
overcame all odds to capture the championship with a come-from-behind 17-15 win over St Albans-Caroline Springs
It capped an unbeaten run for the CVNA team at the State Netball Centre
which included five minor round wins and a 21-12 victory over Lilydale-Yarra Valley in the first round of finals
Highlighting the enormity of their title win
St Albans-Caroline Springs had stamped itself as a powerhouse at 13-and-under level in recent seasons
crowned champions last year and runners-up in 2022
In what was a blinder of a first meeting between the two teams
CVNA beat St Albans-Caroline Springs 16-15 in their earlier round match
St Albans-Caroline Springs' two defeats against the CVNA were their only losses during the tournament
Gilchrist was full of praise for her players' commitment and persistence in a tense grand final
They knew they had come this far and were really keen to see what they could achieve," she said
"We started quite confidently to lead 7-3 and were very strong
"I could see the effects of the training we had put in
"But after being up by two goals at half-time
we found ourselves two goals down halfway through the second half
"While I never thought we were going to lose
I wasn't sure where the turnovers were going to come from because it was just such a tightly contested game
which resulted in two goals for us as and we managed to pull out the win
the pressure both teams were under was immense
"The girls still can't stop smiling and talking about it."
Gilchrist said the shorter than usual format of the championships
with teams divided into two pools ahead of finals
meant there was a much smaller margin for error during the early rounds than in past years
"There wasn't a lot of game time to fix things that weren't going well
so we had to make sure that we were on our game straight up," she said
"But our girls' ability to absorb the pressure and intensity was what got us over the line."
With seven of the 12 players having experienced National Junior Classic basketball title success with the Bendigo Braves under-14 girls team the previous weekend
Gilchrist said her team was definitely well-equipped to deal with the finals pressure
which won the National Junior Classic in Melbourne."I can't believe just how well composed these kids are able to keep themselves under so much pressure," she said
they were still able to keep things under control and keep working hard
The win was the first by a Bendigo-based team at the Association Championships since 2017 when the BFNL claimed the open division crown
The CVNA's 15-and-under representative team.As for the respective associations
Bendigo Strathdale last reached a grand final in 2012 when it was beaten in the 13-and-under title game by Cranbourne-South West
while Golden City finished runners-up in the 17-and-unders in 2002
Gilchrist hailed Sunday's win as a great result for both associations
which are trialing a merger this year under the CVNA banner
The CVNA 13-and-under team comprised Alana Borchard
In other Association Championships results
the BFNL open team reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by Goulburn Valley; the BFNL's 17-and-under team finished fifth with a 7-3-1 record; and the CVNA 15-and-under team finished ninth with three wins from 11 games
Picture: DARREN HOWELinton Jacobs has played in five Bendigo District Cricket Association premierships with Strathdale-Maristians
but few wins have given him more satisfaction than last Sunday's Regional Big Bash League semi-final victory over Haig Fawkner
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueWhen Jacobs strode to the crease to join 19-year-old Daniel Clohesy
the Suns looked dead and buried at 6-62 chasing Haig Fawkner's total of 4-165
At that stage the Suns needed an unlikely 104 runs off just 61 balls to create history as the first BDCA team to qualify for the Regional Big Bash League final
"Our plan was to take the game as deep as we could,'' Jacobs said
"At the stage we needed about 10 runs per over
so our plan was to get a boundary early in the over and then work the gaps for singles and twos."
Picture: NONI HYETTNormally in a situation like that the more senior batting partner takes control of the partnership
This time around it was Clohesy who led the way for Jacobs
After scoring two runs off the first four balls he faced
In the next five overs he hit four sixes and three fours as the Suns piled on 55 runs to get back into the game
"Daniel is a really good thinker of the game
He picked his spots where he wanted to hit the ball and picked the right ball to hit,'' Jacobs said
Linton Jacobs"Some of his ball-striking was fantastic
He changed the momentum of the game and got us going
"I struggled early and just tried to hit the ball out to the sweepers and get the odd boundary
The most fulfilling thing for me was to see a young player play what we like to say "the Suns way" and take the game deep
"It was really good to see him stand up like that under pressure."
When Clohesy fell for a brilliant 54 off 29 balls in the 18th over
Jacobs and Ben DeAraugo whittled the equation down to nine runs off the last over
DeAraugo found the boundary off the first ball of the over
Two singles followed before DeAraugo holed out off the fourth ball of the over
leaving Jacobs on strike with three runs to win off two balls
Jacobs stepped across his stumps and flicked the ball over mid-wicket for a match-winning six
"It's pretty hard to beat the two-day grand final wins
but that win was right up there,'' Jacobs said
"From an individual point of view to finish off the game like that in a semi-final was right up there
"You could see the reaction from the boys after the game that it meant a lot to everyone
"We've been trying for the past few years to get into the final of this competition."
The Suns play Mornington-Peninsula league power Langwarrin in Sunday's final at the Junction Oval
Read more: Suns pull off the great escape
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueTHEY were touted pre-season as the two most likely standout sides in the Bendigo District Cricket Association and both Strathdale-Maristians and Kangaroo Flat have lived up to the billing
The Suns and Roos are the last two teams left standing this season and on Saturday will battle for the BDCA premiership at the QEO
it's a familiar stage - albeit a different format being a one-day tussle for the flag
Saturday will be Strathdale's 10th grand final in the past 13 years
with the club having won six flags through that time
All 11 players who will take to the field on Saturday are premiership players for the Suns
with the total BDCA flags between the team 38 - captain Ben DeAraugo (6)
BDCA 2020-21 GRAND FINAL PREVIEW - Strathdale-Maristians v Kangaroo FlatIn comparison
the only player who has played in a first XI grand final for Kangaroo Flat - let alone won a premiership with the club - is star veteran Adam Burns
who was part of the Roos' back-to-back triumphs in 2004 (against Strathdale) and 2005
while Josh Collinson played in Eaglehawk's 2017 team that won the flag
While they have been the two clear standouts
the Suns deserve to go into the grand final warm favourites given they will carry an unbeaten record into the decider
having 15 wins and four draws from their 19 games
2019 - 482 days ago - when they lost to Golden Square by six wickets for the last time the Suns were beaten
"I think having experienced success before is our main driver to wanting to experience it again..
we all know how good it feels and special it is when we can win," Suns' skipper Ben DeAraugo said this week
"We've got a great group of mates that loves hanging out and spending time together and we're all driven by the opportunity to have some success and then be able to celebrate it together
BDCA 2020-21 GRAND FINAL PREVIEW - Strathdale-Maristians v Kangaroo Flat"Obviously
We've been able to get ourselves in and out of a lot of different situations batting first or second
so we know we have the depth and ability to come out of various scenarios
The Suns are an imposing outfit laden with envious talent with both bat and ball
The Suns have been by far the No.1 ranked batting side in the competition this season
having only been bowled out once and boasting six players with more than 250 runs - Grant Waldron (594)
four-time BDCA Cricketer of the Year Cameron Taylor (322)
Highlighting how the aggressive Suns have made opposition attacks pay if their line and length strays
their run-rate of 5.01 blows away the league average of 4.05
the bulk of the damage has been done by the quartet of Johnston (32 wickets
including a double hat-trick against Kangaroo Flat in round 16)
speedster Chris Sole (25) and off-spinner Vlaeminck (18)
who have combined for 105 of the 133 wickets taken by the Suns
BDCA 2020-21 GRAND FINAL PREVIEW - Strathdale-Maristians v Kangaroo FlatWhile the Roos acknowledge their underdog status
first-year captain Chris Barber is confident his side will match-up well in what's the club's long-awaited first grand final since losing to Bendigo United in 2008
"We've always been able to take it up to Strathdale
so we believe they bring out the best in us," all-rounder Barber said
The Roos have a much-vaunted bowling attack that was further boosted last week with the return of Dylan Klemm into the attack after being hampered by a back concern this season
Bowling has long been a strength of the Roos
but the big challenge is can they have enough batsmen stand up under pressure and deliver on the big stage
View +34 PhotosPictures: BRENDAN McCARTHY"I think with their attack that is a bit faster paced can bring out the best in our batting," Barber said
"With their pace and the QEO ground being nice and fast
I think that can play a part in guys like Klemmy (Jake Klemm) being able to get going with the bat."
who returned to Dower Park after two years at Bendigo United
who spent several weeks sidelined with a shoulder injury
who has battled a knee injury late in the season
are the only other players with more than 200 runs
but as they showed last week when they recovered from 4-41 against Eaglehawk to post 7-153 with Brent Hamblin (194) and Dylan Klemm (185) coming in at No.7 and No.9
the Roos - who have only batted first three times - do have depth
BDCA 2020-21 GRAND FINAL PREVIEW - Strathdale-Maristians v Kangaroo FlatIt's the ball though that shapes as the trump card for the Roos
who will unleash an attack headlined by three spearheads in left-arm pair Burns (18 wickets) and Stabler (23) with the new ball and Hamblin (competition-best 33)
while Kenny Beith (14) can keep it tight through the middle overs and last week's return of Klemm with the ball is an added bonus
There's also a pair of spinning options the Roos can turn to in Jake Klemm (15 wickets) and leggie Barber (7)
Stabler and Hamblin with two each are the only players in the competition to take multiple five-wicket hauls this season
while Burns also has a five-wicket bag to his name - one of 27 in his stellar career
"The club is really looking forward to the week
It has been good to know we'd be playing finals a few weeks out instead of having to scramble for wins like we normally are," Barber said
"We know Strathdale has been a very good side for a lot of years..
to be able to have a crack at winning a grand final against them is great for the all the boys."
...........................................
how do you tip against a side that hasn't lost all season
There's no doubt the Roos have the bowling attack that can trouble the Suns
but that unbreakable belief Strathdale-Maristians has to find a way out of any situation will hold it in good stead to add another flag to its dynasty
Taylor-Walsh Medal tip - Sam Johnston (Strathdale-Maristians)
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Bendigo Strathdale Netball Association's 13-under representative team
Georgia Miller and Rochelle Sexton (asst coach)
Picture: BRENDAN McCARTHYTHE Bendigo-Strathdale Netball Association’s under-13 representative team continued its stunning form with a grand final appearance at the Association Championships finals day
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe under-13 team took plenty of confidence into Sunday’s tournament at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Parkville after it made the final of all five competitions it had appeared in this season and won four titles
Although faced with the best teams from across Victoria at the finals day
Bendigo-Strathdale made it through to the grand final undefeated
A dominant 22-4 win in its opening match against Traralgon set Bendigo-Strathdale up for a good day
which it followed with a 14-11 win against Banyule and Districts and a 11-4 triumph against Murray Netball League
with Bendigo-Strathdale’s players holding their nerve to beat eventual winners Cranbourne 9-8
They then defeated Western Border 11-10 before a 14-12 semi-final win against Altona
with Bendigo-Strathdale coach Anne Clark admitting the better team won on the day
but she was proud of her players’ brilliant performance to make the decider
but I just think they played the more aggressive netball and they seemed to let the play go a lot more in Melbourne than we do here
so they took a bit of adjusting to that in the final,” Clark said
because I think they felt they were good enough to win
The opposition just played a better grand final really
“But (we) played really well all day and I was really excited about their efforts
so second-best in Victoria isn’t too bad.”
Goaler Imogen Sexton and centre Meg Williams were two standout performers for Bendigo-Strathdale
but Clark praised the whole team for the result
It’s hard to single-out players because some played better in particular games
“It was just a really good team effort,” Clark said
Clark said the BSNA should assess changing its umpiring style to more free-flowing play in wake of the grand final loss
“There was a lot more body-on-body allowed down there than what we’re used to in Bendigo with our umpiring
so I think it’s something our association needs to look at
“Otherwise we’re never going to be able to win any championships like this.”
The entire under-13s team will move into the under-15s next season
The Bendigo Strathdale Netball Association’s 13-under representative team: Amie Black
Anne Clark (coach) and Rochelle Sexton (assistant coach)
the Bob Gartside-coached under-15s also qualified for the Association finals after being runner-up at the northern zone tournament held at Golden City netball courts in West Bendigo
Many of the young stars from the under-13 and under-15 teams will be on the Flora Hill Stadium courts this Saturday playing for their BSNA clubs
Kyra Davis.The dominant team of the home and away season dominated the Bendigo Tennis Association A-grade pennant grand final
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueStrathdale Park crushed Spring Gully by 28 games to win its first A-grade premiership in 16 years
Strathdale Park won eight of the 11 sets to triumph 83 games to 55
The tone was set early in the afternoon when Jordan Hicks and Brett Marchant secured singles victories over Ben Linn 8-6 and Jono Guy 8-3 respectively
Siblings Jayd and Chloe Davis continued the Strathdale Park dominance by winning the first doubles match
Spring Gully needed a spark and Nathan Mitchell and Ryan Brook provided it by securing their side's first set to cut the margin to eight games
Action from Saturday's A-grade tennis grand final - Strathdale's Brett Marchant
Spring Gully's Ben Linn and Strathdale Park's Jordan Hicks
Pictures by Noni HyettThe revival didn't last long
Strathdale Park captain Jayd Davis secured a 8-2 singles win over Rebecca Tweed
Spring Gully's Ryan Brook beat Strathdale's Brad Slingo 8-6
but Strathdale duo Jordan Hicks and Brett Marchant proved too good for Ben Linn and Jono Guy 8-4
Nathan Mitchell and Michael Mulgrew earned Spring Gully another set when they scored a 8-7 tie-break win over Stuart Johansen and Chloe Davis
Jono GuyStrathdale Park led 59-40 heading into the final three matches and the premiership was within touching distance
Hicks and Jayd Davis put the game to bed by defeating Linn and Tweed 8-0
Strathdale Park added some icing to its premiership cake by securing two more doubles victories to extend the final scoreline to 83 games 8 sets to 55 games 3 sets
READ MORE: Catch up on the latest local sport news
Aaron Stewart.BTC Heat caused a major upset in the B-grade grand final
Minor premier BTC Deucebags had beaten BTC Heat twice earlier in the season
but on the day it mattered most it was BTC Heat who produced its best tennis
Heat won the first three doubles matches 8-6 and followed up with 8-4 and 8-2 doubles victories to lead 40 games to 24 games heading into the final two singles matches
but Heat's Sean Penno won the final singles in a tie-break to clinch the flag for BTC Heat
Riley Burn.It was a similar story in the C-grade grand final where Strathdale Park Stingers upstaged Spring Gully
the Stingers advanced to the grand final and edged out favourite Spring Gully by one game in a thriller
At the conclusion of all the doubles matches Spring Gully led the Stingers 35-31
The number two-ranked players played a singles match
with Strathdale Park Stingers' Rory O'Hea forging an 8-4 over Jacob Watts to level the overall score at 39 games apiece
The premiership would be decided by whoever won the remaining singles match between the two number one-ranked players of each team
Gully's Edward Phillips fought back from 7-4 down to level it at 7-7 and the premiership would be decided by a tie-breaker
Phillips had three premiership points in the tie-break
Stingers' Riley Burn fought back and finished the match to claim the premiership for Strathdale Park
Pictures: NONI HYETTSTRATHDALE- Maristians’ ominous resurgence in the Bendigo District Cricket Association continued on Saturday at the expense of ladder-leader Bendigo United
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueHaving started the season with an uncharacteristic three-straight losses
the Suns are now back on an even keel after they won their third in a row by three wickets against the Redbacks at All Seasons Oval
it was the Suns’ Ben DeAraugo who proved the thorn in the side with the bat for the Redbacks
DeAraugo – who has two grand final Taylor-Walsh medals for his batting exploits against Bendigo United – played the lead role as the Suns answered the Redbacks’ 177 with 7-182
DeAraugo scored an unbeaten 50 – his second half-century in a row – as the Suns recovered from a precarious 4-34 to win with seven balls to spare
supporting knocks came from captain Linton Jacobs (18)
Daniel Clohesy (15) and Jacob DeAraugo (22 n.o.)
who brought up the winning runs with a six off Ben Gunn (2-41).
Miggy Podosky did the early damage with the ball for the Redbacks
taking three of the first four wickets to fall on his way to 3-42
the Redbacks fought their way to 177 in an innings that started strongly when they were 1-119 in the 34th over
The key partnership was the 76 put on by left-handers Mark Di Fede (49) and Heath Behrens (45)
who after hitting Jack Neylon (2-35) for six was caught and bowled the next ball
Jacobs reached a wicket-keeping milestone for the Suns when his catch of Nick Crawford (2) was his 300th first XI dismissal
while James Vlaeminck (1-27) took his first wicket when he had Leigh McDermott (6) caught by Pappin
Sam Johnston (3-29) was the Suns’ best with the ball
• Golden Square has given itself a solid platform to launch a return to the finals from after continuing its dominance over Sandhurst
Square inflicted the second loss in a row on Sandhurst
while winning its fourth game with a six-wicket victory at MyJet Oval
The Dragons were restricted to 9-145 batting first in what was an innings that got off to a disastrous start when opener Brett Tory (0) was caught at slip by Scott Johnson off Scott Trollope second ball of the day
Sandhurst later worked its way to 4-122 before Square clamped down
with in-form all-rounder Trollope picking up another three wickets to finish with 4-29
The spin twins of Liam Smith (1-13) and Jamie Bysouth (1-19) gave little away in their nine overs each
while the Sandhurst innings had only Shane Robinson (55)
Taylor Beard (35) and Sam Sperling (24) score in double figures
with Trollope again playing a pivotal role with an unbeaten 41
UMPIRE: Strathdale-Maristians' captain Linton Jacobs unsuccessfully appeals for the wicket of Bendigo United's Heath Behrens.Zen Mailk (2-25) was the only multiple wicket-taker for the Dragons
who after winning their first four games have now surrendered their momentum at the mid-season break
• All teams now have a win after Strathfieldsaye broke through for its first victory of the season in a thriller against Bendigo
The Jets’ score of 4-182 batting first just proved enough as the Goers fell to their fourth loss in a row when held to 8-179 after needing 12 off the final over of their chase bowled by Chris Cullen (0-35)
Veteran Greg Lyon anchored the Jets’ innings as he carried his bat in making an unbeaten 81 – his highest score in his past 31 knocks
Also helping the Jets post a winning score was Jack Stubbs
whose unbeaten 48 was the highest score in his 43-innings career
Lyon and Stubbs shared in an unbroken 99-run partnership
while the four Jets’ batsmen dismissed combined for just 19 runs
What came back to haunt the Goers in a big way was their 34 extras
which included 26 wides – 15 of which were bowled by leg-spinner Tom Hart (0-49)
Craig Pearce (2-25) took two wickets – both stumpings by Xavier Ryan – for the Goers
whose run-chase featured plenty of starts with six of their 10 batsmen used reaching double figures
Captain Shane Koop (54) made his second half-century of the season to be the Goers’ top scorer before he was the seventh wicket to fall with the score on 133 when run out by Ben Devanny
The spinning duo of Beauden Rinaldi (3-50) and Andrew Stove (3-38) combined for six wickets for the Jets
while Devanny once again produced economical figures of 1-12 off nine overs
Eaglehawk is also on the move with its comfortable 95-run win over White Hills its third in a row
Pleasing for the Hawks was another strong batting performance when they compiled 5-202 having won the toss at Glen Loddon Homes Oval
View +23 PhotosPictures: NONI HYETTThe Hawks got off to a flyer with Matt Ford hitting Rhys Irwin (1-39) for four first ball of the day
while after two overs they already had 16 on the board
The Hawks’ innings featured half-centuries from both Ford (63) and No.3 Shane Murdoch (71)
with the pair adding 118 for the second wicket between the sixth and 34th overs
Murdoch didn’t take long to assert his authority
with four of his first eight scoring shots boundaries
White Hills’ Corey Dickins dismissed both openers Ford and Cory Jacobs (5) as he finished with 2-25
The Hawks’ score proved well out of reach of the Demons
Four of the Hawks’ scalps came from an unlikely source in Anthony West (4-27)
who hadn’t taken a wicket since the 2008-09 season when he was playing with Sandhurst
Three of the Demons’ top six batsmen made ducks
who again proved that cricket is a fickle game after coming off a ton the previous round
David Blume’s knock of 31 was the best for the Demons
who were never going to threaten once they had slumped to 5-45
• Kangaroo Flat was able to turn a score of 9-114 into a match-winning total against Huntly-North Epsom at Sunline Plastering Oval
The Power faltered badly in their chase – routed for the season’s lowest score so far of 83 in which their top score was Chris Smith’s 15
Adam Burns (3-7) bowled a superb 8.3 overs for the Roos
while Liam Jones’ nine overs cost just six runs and he claimed the key wicket of Daniel Cruickshank (0)
only Burns (48 n.o.) and the in-form Dylan Gibson (40) reached double figures for the Roos in an innings where six players were dismissed for two or less
Brett Elvey (4-14) and Cameron Moore (3-12) both kept the heat on the Roos as they combined for 7-26 off 18 overs for the Power
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueA BATTLE of the big guns will highlight this Saturday's round seven of the Bendigo District Cricket Association season
Strathdale-Maristians and Kangaroo Flat were touted pre-season as two of the likely top contenders and will clash for the first time at Bell Oval in one of the most keenly-anticipated matches of the season
The Suns are the only undefeated team still standing and have the trio of Grant Waldron
James Vlaeminck and Jack Neylon who have all made tons already this season
The second-placed Roos will be coming off their first loss of the season after being upset at home by Strathfieldsaye last Saturday
Battle of big guns Strathdale-Maristians and Kangaroo Flat highlights BDCA round sevenSaturday's games:
the BDCA has signed a new stump sponsor for the next three seasons
sponsoring the stumps for all senior games
"We see this as a great opportunity to be able to give something back to local sport through these tough COVID times," ACS Bendigo managing director Ben Pengelly said
"We're really proud to be associated with the BDCA."
Picture: DARREN HOWESTRATHDALE has started the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League women's championship season with a bang
after a resounding 8-1 victory over Golden City
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueEllie Vlaeminck was in sparkling touch for the Blues
Her fourth gave Strathdale a 4-0 half-time lead
The Blues maintained the pressure in the second half with Charlotte Bartl adding two
and Vlaeminck and Sara Johansson also finding the back of the next to give them eight for the game
Letesha Bawden was the sole goal scorer for the Rams
Reigning champions Epsom looks to have lost none of its potency upfront
Tara Thomas and Elizabeth Watkins proved a lethal double act
Paige Gordon and Caitlin Green each kicked one
Meredith Cahill led the way for Spring Gully with two goals
Tara Archbold and Brianna Hamblin helped Eaglehawk to a 2-0 win over Swan Hill at Truscott Reserve in the closest game of the round
Shepparton United started the season in style with a convincing 6-0 win over Moama-Echuca Border Raiders at Shepparton’s Central Park
Caitlin Georgiou and Sarah Loverso both found the back of the net twice for United
who will look to make life difficult for the established clubs in their first season in the BASL
Shepparton United produced a stunning competition debut
Fahed Saleh looms as a player to keep an eye on after an impressive three goal effort
United skipper Kadhim Alhilfi continued the momentum for the home side by scoring two
Fellow newcomers Shepparton South also won first-up
surviving a thriller against Colts United 4-3
Sean Grant's first outing in the BASL was a good one
He was well supported Joel Aitken and Toby Ferguson who managed one apiece in a high-calibre contest at Strathfieldsaye Recreation Reserve
Godwill Basha scored twice for Colts United
which also benefited from an own goal in the 35th minute
Two goals from Lachlan Arkinstall were the key contribution in Epsom's 6-3 win against Spring Gully at Stanley Avenue
Samuel Walker started the season well for Spring Gully
Josh Claney and Josh Dwyer also kicked goals for the Scorpions
Golden City and Strathdale had to share the points in their clash at Shadforth No
after the scores were locked at 4-all
Stephen Barrett and Nicholas Watson all hitting the scoreboard for the Blues
Michael Maloney and Josh Hutchins did likewise for the Rams
while Moama-Echuca accounted for Shepparton United 8-3
Picture: GLENN DANIELSThe gulf between the Bendigo Amateur Soccer League's top and bottom teams was exposed in a lopsided round on Sunday
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinue34 goals were scored in five division one games
with the closest margin four goals as the bottom five clubs struggle to remain competitive
With the BASL introducing a top eight finals system for the 11-team competition this season
two of the battling bottom five sides will qualify for the finals
There was no change at the top of the ladder
with Eaglehawk and Strathdale scoring convincing wins
The Borough remains one point clear at the top after defeating seventh-placed Golden City 7-2 at Shadforth Park
Eaglehawk put the ball in the back of the net three times in the first 12 minutes - Brent Hamblin from the penalty spot
coach Greg Thomas and youngster Jesse Parker
City responded strongly and two goals in 10 minutes from Thu Rah Maung put the Rams back in the contest
View +15 PhotosJust before half-time Eaglehawk's Brent Hamblin scored for the second time to give his side a two-goal lead at the break
Brent Hamblin completed his hat-trick with his second penalty for the day
Younger brother Nathan joined in the party with two goals of his own to complete the 7-2 drubbing
Strathdale scored a 5-1 win over Colts United at Beischer Park
Colts held the Blues at bay for the first 45 minutes
but two goals in four minutes to Ethan Hunter in the early stages of the second half broke the game open
Two goals to Daniel Purdy and one to Jack Kelly completed the scoring for Strathdale
while Carter Giles scored a consolation goal for Colts
Third-placed Tatura thrashed La Trobe Uni 8-1
Nathan Hamblin scored two goals for Eaglehawk on Sunday
Picture: GLENN DANIELSStriker Tristan Zito grabbed a hat-trick
while Kyle Minicozzi and Thomas Leech added two goals each
Skipper Cody Sellwood also found the back of the net
Hugh McRae was the sole scorer for La Trobe Uni
Fifth-placed Shepparton United outclassed Epsom 6-0
It took the visitors 44 minutes to break through when skipper Nikolaos Kalafatis scored his second goal of the season
The flood gates opened in the second half as United carved through Epsom's defence
Fabrice Ebe scored twice and Roven Shaholli
Evan Rawluk and Ermal Marku added the other three goals
Shepparton South defeated Shepparton 4-0 on the back of a brace to Kabir Larry Casey Kareem and single goals to Joel Aitken and Robert Harmeston
Shepparton United's 4-0 win over Epsom on Sunday lifted United to 48 points - six clear of closest rival Eaglehawk with two games remaining
would need to lose both of its final two matches by huge margins to give the Hawks a glimmer of hope and that would take a miracle
Sophie Papalia scored a hat-trick for United to take her season tally to 44 goals
Eaglehawk put seven goals past Golden City
with star playmaker Charlotte Edlin scoring four times
Tara Archbold added two goals and Chloe Parker one
Fourth-placed Strathdale moved within two points of third-placed Colts United after it scored a 3-0 win on Sunday
Emma Heaney opened the scoring for Strathdale in the seventh minute before Bridget Meadows put Colts away with two second-half goals
Spring Gully United defeated Moama-Echuca Border Raiders 7-3 in a 10-goal shootout
The Reds scored the first six goals of the game through Naomi Dawson (two)
Three goals in five minutes midway through the second-half lifted Moama's hopes before Leila Bartolo put the game to bed with Spring Gully's seventh goal
Tatura and La Trobe Un played out a 0-0 draw
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueThe scene at McIvor Road is now clear following a two-car crash
Bendigo Highway Patrol Leading Senior Constable Paul Lethlean said it appeal the white sedan had slammed into the Toyota Prado which was waiting to turn right at the intersection
"As far as we can tell from the footage from Apco is the Toyato Prado has been parked at the intersection waiting to turn and the white vehicle has come down from the top of the hill where it hasn't braked," he said
"(It) slammed straight in the back of the Prado which pushed it through the traffic
"Obviously the car has come to rest against the traffic lights."
Leading Senior Constable Lethlean said there appeared to be no serious injuries as a result of the crash
"Two people have been taken the hospital," he said
"The driver we're not sure of yet she's just being checked out by the (paramedics)
"The two army guys (in the Prado) seem alright and were just getting checked as well."
A white sedan and a silver four-wheel drive have collided at the corner of McIvor Road and Reservoir Road
Picture by Chris Pedler.There are two ambulances on scene and an eyewitness has confirmed three people are being treated by paramedics
McIvor Road is down to one lane of traffic in both directions
The eyewitness said it looks as though the cars have collided and the sedan has then hit a traffic light pole
He has great passion for the performing arts and is very supportive of the Bendigo live music scene
Outside of the news world Chris plays golf and
He loves community theatre and has performed on stage with the Bendigo Theatre Company and worked with Baldrick himself
Story tips: chris.pedler@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Chris has been with the Bendigo Advertiser for more than 10 years
Maddy FogartyDigital EditorReporting to you from Wollongong these days, I've come to the big smoke via the bustling metropolis of Sydney, rolling hills of Bendigo, Victoria and agricultural plains of Shepparton before that.
Reporting to you from Wollongong these days, I've come to the big smoke via the bustling metropolis of Sydney, rolling hills of Bendigo, Victoria and agricultural plains of Shepparton before that.
Hub: The Strathdale Community Centre is set to undergo an upgrade. Photo: SUPPLIED
THE City of Greater Bendigo is asking for opinions on plans to upgrade the Strathdale Community Centre on Crook Street.
It’s hoped the revamped community hub will be a more flexible, multi-purpose building with activity and co-working spaces, and the possibility of a café and kitchen facilities.
Municipal partnerships manager Andie West said the designs will be a significant upgrade to the centre and prepare it for future growth in the area.
“The centre is a highly used and valued community facility that is used by over 30 community organisations,” she said.
The original centre was built in the 1970s by the Shire of Strathfieldsaye and upgraded in 1985, with ownership passing to the City of Greater Bendigo in 1994.
“This project was identified as a community priority through a broad consultation process, which indicated the current building was tired and no longer meeting community needs or expectations due to outdated design and failing infrastructure,” Ms West said.
“By upgrading the existing building, the City will be responding to growing community need for flexible, multi-purpose spaces that can be used for a range of community activities.
“Community hubs are important for community wellbeing because they enable people to connect with one another and service providers and participate in events and other activities. They are also a cost-effective way of providing community activity spaces and services.”
The floorplan is available for viewing through the City’s Let’s Talk web page and people are asked to provide feedback on the different uses of the space, as well as any improvements or concerns.
Currently the project is not funded, but may come under future City budgets and government grants.
Feedback can be provided at letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au until Friday, 8 October.
Picture by Enzo TomasielloJUST pleased to be playing his role in the side is how the Bendigo District Cricket Association's leading run-scorer describes his first four rounds of the season
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueStrathdale-Maristians' James Barri is the form batsman of the competition with 305 runs at an average of 76.2
While happy with the way he has started his season
more importantly for Barri is how the Suns have performed
Through four rounds the Suns are the only undefeated team in the BDCA and in their familiar position at the top of the ladder
No.4 batsman Barri has been integral to the Suns' flying start, with his stellar form rewarded last Saturday when he scored his maiden first XI century in his side's win over Huntly North at Bell Oval
"I just go out and play cricket every week and for me
team success is first and anything else beyond that is a bonus," Barri said this week
"It was good to get my first ton last weekend
but the most important thing is the team got the win..
Barri produced his innings of 109 having started it at a time when the Suns were under pressure
Strathdale-Maristians' James Barri at training this week
Picture by Enzo TomasielloThat quickly became 2-43 when Daniel Clohesy was dismissed second ball of the day
Soon after the Suns were 3-51 when Grant Waldron was caught and bowled by Sandun Ranathunga and the pressure was on the home side
But Barri remained cool and calm and with his 109 the backbone of the innings
the Suns turned what had been their precarious 3-51 into a final score of 9-368 - the BDCA's highest since December of 2019
"It frees you up to play your shots when you've got the depth we have in both our batting and bowling line-ups," Barri said
"Myself and Jack (Neylon) knuckled down for a while to start to build the innings back up and then knowing you've still got the likes of James Vlaeminck
Ben DeAraugo and Sam Johnston to come allows you to play your shots a bit more."
Barri content just to play his role - and he's doing it wellBarri spent 194 balls at the crease and struck 12 boundaries and one six
while he brought up his ton with a shot through cover for two
The 20-year-old's 109 followed on from scores of 90 (v Golden Square)
80 v (Eaglehawk) and 26 (v Bendigo United) in the first three rounds
Barri's hot start to 2023-24 continues on from what was his breakout season last year when he made 441 runs and earned his first Melbourne Country Week selection for the BDCA
whereas last year our pre-season was interrupted quite a bit by the weather and we were limited in what we could do," Barri said
so it was good to be able to put that work in going into the season
but we're just taking it a week at a time and
it has been a seamless adjustment back to the two-day format for Barri following three seasons of the BDCA playing all one-day games
The return to the two-day format has given Barri - and all the other top-order batsmen in the competition - the opportunity to build into their innings and spend extended time at the crease
Barri has faced 487 balls already this season for his 305 runs
following Barri's 109 Strathdale-Maristians' team of last round that beat the Power had seven players in it who all now have BDCA first XI centuries - captain Cameron Taylor (11)
And that number would have been eight had Sam Johnston scored just one more run the day he was dismissed for 99 against Kangaroo Flat in round 13 of the 2017-18 season
Barri's scintillating form with the bat recently earned him a call-up for the BDCA's new Goulburn Valley Bush Bash League franchise - the Sporties Spitfires
Barri made 10 while also taking 2-41 with the ball as the Spitfires beat the Hurley Hotel Hounds in their season-opener at Dower Park on November 19
The Spitfires' next game is against the SRP Mud Dogs at Shepparton's Deakin Reserve from 2pm on Sunday
Strathdale-Maristians takes on White Hills at Bell Oval in round five of the BDCA season starting this Saturday
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueUnited overcame the staunchest of challenges from a brave Strathdale to win 1-0 at Beischer Park
An early goal to Sophie Papalia in the 12th minute was all that was needed for United
which made it back-to-back grand final wins
They were challenged like they rarely have been throughout a 42-game unbeaten streak
stretching back to round two of the 2018 season
United coach Sheridan Fairless praised her players' fighting spirit to withstand a fierce challenge from the determined Blues
"It certainly wasn't pretty - it was a real challenge
but the girls really put up a great fight," she said
"You'd like to think after the last two seasons we've had the girls could cap it off
"To come away from the season undefeated is pretty awesome
Being able to cap it off was the biggest challenge for us today and they've managed to do it."
Goal keeper Lucy Ciancio was named player of the match after being kept busy by the Blues throughout the second half and parts of the first
Fairless further praised the performances of centre-back Maicey Hocking
Papalia up forward and her impressive midfield
Gabrielle Dwyer was another of United's best in defence
Fairless hinted at the potential for some changes in playing personnel for next season
"It will be interesting to see whether we lose a few girls next season and have to start again in a few different positions," she said
There are a few young ones here too who are the future of our club
"We have seen some real good development from our younger players this season
Blues coach Rachel Oper could not have been prouder of her players after a courageous effort against the league's powerhouse
the girls really took it up to them," she said
but the second half we definitely dominated
"Unfortunately we didn't make the most of our chances
but the girls fought it out right to the end."
Oper was left to rue what might have been had the Blues cemented one of their early opportunities in the second half
"If we had of just got one away at the start
I felt we could have gone on with it," she said
we just ran out of legs in the end and couldn't chase down those balls we normally would
They haven't lost all season and they are definitely going to be a challenge for years to come
They are definitely not getting any weaker."
The Blues got outstanding service from Emma Heaney
who had the difficult task of curbing the dangerous Papalia
who ended the season with 57 goals and remarkably scored in every game she played this season
Oper was able to reflect on a brilliant end to the season
The Blues reached the grand final from fifth position following finals wins over Shepparton South and Colts United
and were not far off a remarkable win on grand final day
"We hope to keep this group together - we are a very young group this year," she said
"We'll keep most of the girls and we have quite a few young ones looking at stepping up from our junior age group
"Hopefully we can come back next year better and stronger."
Shepparton United made it two grand final wins for the day with a 2-1 victory over Swan Hill in the men's division two contest
while Golden City defeated Shepparton South 5-2 to win the youth grand final
The Rams led 4-2 at half time and were able to add a further goal in the final minute to Hsar K Paw Moo to put the lid on a stirring win
Golden City coach Sean Tomlinson said the scoreline in no way reflected the closeness of the game
Kayle Thompson and David Ross Mill led the way for the Rams
Sudoku and TriviaAll articles from the other regional websites in your areaContinueAshleigh Hemming
was also caught in possession of the drug GHB after he was seen driving erratically on the McIvor Highway near Axedale
Hemming appeared in the Bendigo County Court on Wednesday to attempt to reduce his jail term on charges of grooming a child under 16 for sex
The court heard Hemming sent a 15-year-old girl – who does not live in Bendigo – a friend request on Facebook on March 10
asking her if she had an account on the website “Sugar Daddy”
Her age was publicly displayed on her Facebook profile
during which Hemming told her she was “exactly the girl he wanted”
he offered to buy her presents in exchange for sex and asked for naked photographs
When the girl told Hemming her father was a police officer
he told her to delete their messages and to move to an encrypted messaging service
The girl took the matter to police the same day
They raided Hemming’s Strathdale home two days later and seized computers and mobile phones
finding four movies described as child exploitation material
and was sentenced in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on May 17 to 24 months jail with a 12-month non-parole period
He was also caught driving erratically on the McIvor Highway heading towards Axedale on February 24
Police were told the car was travelling slowly
narrowly missing a bridge and causing other vehicles to swerve out of the way
Police pulled up alongside him when he stopped for roadworks
Hemming told police he thought he was “nearly home”
Police found a 600 millilitre water bottle in the footwell on the passenger side with 80 millilitres of clear liquid inside
The court heard Hemming has a long history of drug use which “plays havoc with his mental state”
His approach to the young girl was also blamed on his drug use
Judge Susan Cohen ordered a forensic report be complete before she makes her ruling
“There’s a worrying lack of opinion to help assess his risk,” she said
Hemming was remanded in custody and will appear in the Bendigo County Court in October
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