Introduction: The Weight of Expectation in a “Golden Summer”
The 2025/26 ACT cricket season dawned not merely with the customary optimism of early spring, but with a palpable sense of historical magnitude. Dubbed by administrators, players, and the local media as the “Golden Summer,” the season was framed by an unprecedented international schedule at Manuka Oval. The marquee Prime Minister’s XI clash against England and the scheduled visits from the powerhouse Indian national teams promised to place the nation’s capital at the very centre of the cricketing world, elevating the status of the local game by association.
However, beneath the gloss of international fixtures and the manicured outfields of Manuka lay a local grade competition teeming with narratives of renewal, tribalism, and fierce rivalry. For the local faithful, the season was defined by two overarching, existential questions. First, could the Queanbeyan District Cricket Club —the famous “Bluebags”—maintain their dynastic grip on the Douglas Cup and achieve a historic “three-peat”? Their dominance at the top level had been absolute, but heavy is the head that wears the crown, and challengers were gathering across all four grades. Second, how would the ACT Meteors navigate a defining generational shift? With the departure of their longtime talisman and leading run-scorer, Katie Mack, to New South Wales, the Meteors faced a season of reinvention under new leadership. As the frost finally lifting from the ovals and curators rolled out the first pitches of the year, the answers began to take shape in dramatic, and often unexpected, fashion.
Pre-Season Prelude: The Baptism of Fire in the Top End (August)
Long before the Canberra grass had fully greened, the ACT Comets embarked on a grueling pre-season campaign in Darwin’s “Top End T20 Series” in August. This was not merely a warm-up; it was a baptism of fire designed to temper the squad against high-quality opposition in tropical conditions distinct from the slow, low decks often found in the capital’s early season.
The tour proved to be a stark, necessary reality check regarding the gap between Associate-level cricket and the professional franchises. Heavy losses to the Adelaide Strikers Academy (by 9 wickets) and the Hobart Hurricanes Academy (by 7 wickets) exposed early frailties in the batting lineup against disciplined pace and spin. In the loss to Hobart, Zak Keogh stood as a lone figure of resistance, compiling a fluent 66 off 43 balls, a knock that showcased his readiness for the next level even as support crumbled around him.
A double-header against the Nepal National Team further tested the Comets’ technical resolve. They fell by 42 runs in the first encounter despite a fighting half-century from Jake Smith (50 off 33 balls), whose counter-attacking style provided a lone bright spot against a disciplined attack. They subsequently lost the second match by 6 wickets as Nepal’s world-class spinners wove a web around the middle order on turning tracks, highlighting a critical need for better rotation of strike against the turning ball—a lesson the squad would carry back to Canberra.
Yet, amidst the defeats, there were sparks of brilliance that hinted at the season to come. The Comets secured a comprehensive 7-wicket victory over the Melbourne Stars Academy, chasing down 160 with clinical ease. The chase was anchored by an unbeaten 73 from Mikey McNamara, an innings of maturity and power that showcased his potential as a genuine finisher. These mixed results in the tropical heat sowed the seeds for a season defined by resilience, setting the stage for the red-ball challenges that awaited back home.
Club Milestone: Ginninderra’s Golden Jubilee
To mark the start of a historic 2025/26 season, the Ginninderra Cricket Club paused to celebrate a monumental milestone: 50 years of cricket in the district. At a glittering 50th Anniversary evening held after play on the first day of the season, the club honoured its rich history by naming three representative teams, connecting the pioneers of 1975 with the stars of the modern era.
The Golden Jubilee Team (1975–2025) The pinnacle of the night was the announcement of the best XII from the club’s entire half-century history. The team is captained by Stuart Jones, and includes David Dawson, Graeme Cunningham, Rhys Healy, Justin Williams, Steve O’Shaughnessy, Sam Gaskin, Brad Thomas, Alan Watchman, Cameron Suidgeest, Jak Willcox, and Peter McPhan, with Michael Delaney named as Coach.
Team of the First 25 Years Honouring the foundation years, this side featured the club legends who built the Tigers’ legacy: Stuart Jones, Peter McPhan, Alan Watchman, John Miller, Mark Killer, Justin Williams, Alan Jones, Cameron Whitty (wk), Andrew Willcox, Steve O’Shaughnessy, David Willcox, and Graeme Cunningham.
Team of the Second 25 Years Reflecting the modern era of Ginninderra dominance and development, this team included current stars and recent greats: Peter Radford, David Dawson (wk), Sam Gaskin, Ross Pawson, Brett Knowles, Michael Delaney, Cameron Suidgeest, Jak Willcox, Rhys Healy, Bradley Thomas, Caitlin Galeano, and Dylan Faram.
The celebrations provided a fitting backdrop to the current Premier Cricket side’s strong form, reminding the current crop of Tigers of the legacy they represent.
October: The Grand Return and Early Statements
Global Connections: Esam Rahman’s Japan Debut (Oct 10) On the eve of the local season opener, Queanbeyan all-rounder Esam Rahman announced himself on the international stage in spectacular fashion. Born in Japan of Bangladeshi origin and raised in the ACT system, Rahman made his debut for the Japan National Team with a stunning display of power hitting that bridged his Tokyo roots with his Canberra class.
Batting at number three, he blasted 64 off just 29 balls (9 fours, 2 sixes), showcasing a “destruction mode” that would soon become familiar to Canberra bowlers. While his bowling was wicketless (0 for 15), his fearless batting provided the perfect prelude to his club campaign with the Bluebags, symbolizing the increasingly global nature of the territory’s cricket talent.
Round 1: The Divide Opens (Oct 11-18) The McDonald’s ACT Premier Cricket season commenced on Saturday, October 11, 2025, shattering any notion of a slow start. The opening round immediately highlighted a fascinating divergence in club depth, with top-tier powerhouses asserting absolute authority.
ANU Cricket Club immediately grabbed the headlines. Building on their breakthrough John Gallop Cup victory from the previous summer, the Students dismantled Eastlake at ANU North Oval with ruthless efficiency. The declaration at 7 for 415 was fueled by a spectacular 141 (165 balls) from Ben Homan. Scoring a century on debut is a rarity; doing so with such authority—driving through the covers and pulling with disdain—sent shockwaves through the competition. He was ably supported by the experienced Jake Smith (90). ANU then routed Eastlake for 193 all out, with Dave Dubey (4 for 45) proving that ANU was a complete unit, capable of taking 20 wickets on flat tracks.
Meanwhile, defending champions Queanbeyan sent an ominous warning at Neil Bulger Oval. Spin wizard Kai Brunker spun a web around Tuggeranong Valley, claiming 6 for 48, utilizing drift and dip to deceive the batters. In reply, the Bluebags’ openers—Raakin Rahman (146) and debutant keeper Jack Stokes (126)—combined for a mammoth 277-run partnership, securing a comfortable victory and signalling that their hunger had not diminished despite recent successes.
Elsewhere, Ginninderra commenced their Golden Jubilee season with a strong first-innings win over North Canberra-Gungahlin at Kippax. Restricting Norths to 153 all out (Sineth Herath taking 3 for 36), the Tigers replied with 273 all out, anchored by Nick Allen (61) and Brad Thomas (56), withstanding a brilliant 5 for 70 from Norths captain Nick Wood. In the second innings, Norths displayed much more resilience to bat out the remainder of the match, finishing on 8 for 222. Gen Casarotto anchored the fightback with a gritty, unbeaten 78 off 152 balls alongside Gus Kent (37 not out), while Luke Docherty claimed 4 for 44 for the Tigers.
Over at Jamison Oval, Weston Creek Molonglo piled on the runs against Western District, posting a massive 347 all out. Josh Myburgh (75), Norman Vanua (68), and Sam Manton (53) led the charge. Wests were blown away for just 165 all out in reply, courtesy of a devastating spell from Lachlan Noble (5 for 25). Forced to follow on, Wests managed 8 for 200, saved from outright defeat by a fighting 91 not out from Maaz Khan, handing the Creek a comprehensive 182-run first-innings win.
Round 2: Heavyweight Battles and Records Tumbling (Oct 25–26) As the pitches flattened out in late October, the competition saw records tumble and the first major shifts in the ladder, separating the contenders from the pretenders.
In the most anticipated match of the early season, ANU hosted Queanbeyan in a fixture many viewed as a Grand Final preview. Ben Homan (55) continued his dream debut season, showing technique beyond his years, but he was the lone resistance against Kai Brunker. The spinner claimed another five-wicket haul (5 for 38), restricting ANU to a modest 192 all out. Queanbeyan chased it down with authority, declaring at 4 for 196 thanks to a magnificent unbeaten 101 from Tyler van Luin. This result served as a reality check for the challengers and a statement of intent from the champions: the road to the title still went through Freebody.
At Chisholm Oval, Ginninderra piled on a massive 3 for 370 declared against Tuggeranong Valley. The innings was built on spectacular, unbroken centuries from Ethan Fitzpatrick (108*) and Tom Hogan (100*), who pummeled the Valley attack. In reply, Tuggeranong dug in to secure a gritty draw, finishing on 4 for 102 off 33 overs, heavily reliant on a stoic 31 from Lukas Boorer and 27* from Kyle Klesse to deny the Tigers an outright result.
North Canberra-Gungahlin declared at an imposing 9 for 317 against Weston Creek Molonglo, constructed around a brilliant captain’s knock of 65 from Nick Wood, supported by Ziad Khan (62) and Amit Sharma (60). The Creek survived to secure a draw, finishing on 6 for 102 off 50 overs, navigating through a difficult spell from Fraser McGurk who claimed 3 for 48.
Meanwhile, Eastlake secured a vital first-innings victory over Western District at Kaleen Oval. Wests were rolled for just 90 all out, undone by Nethum De Silva (3 for 4) and Abhayan Tharmarajah (3 for 7). Eastlake responded with 211 all out, guided by Nic Broes (67) and Oliver Blaney-Brown (53). Wests showed far more fight in the second innings to reach 5 for 214, led by an excellent 87 from Viswesh Suman.
International Spotlight: The Washout (Oct 29) The first major international fixture of the summer arrived with high hopes as Australia hosted India for a T20I at Manuka Oval. The Canberra crowd was treated to a tantalizing 58 balls of pyrotechnics before the weather intervened.
India’s Blitz: Sent in to bat, India raced to 1 for 97 in just 9.4 overs. Shubman Gill (unbeaten 37 off 20) and captain Suryakumar Yadav (unbeaten 39 off 24) were in imperious touch, scoring at over 10 runs an over and dispatching the Australian attack to all parts of Manuka.
The End: Nathan Ellis claimed the solitary wicket (Abhishek Sharma for 19), but heavy rain forced the match to be abandoned, leaving the opening chapter of the ‘Golden Summer’ as a frustrating ‘No Result’—a dampener on the early season excitement.
Coaching Honours: Dean’s National Call-Up (Oct 31) The month ended on a high note for the territory’s coaching stocks. On October 31, Cricket ACT announced that ACT Comets Head Coach Jonathon Dean had been appointed as an Assistant Coach for the upcoming Prime Minister’s XI fixture against England.
Dean joined a distinguished staff led by former Australian Test captain Tim Paine, alongside Cricket Tasmania’s Mike Smith and former fast bowler Adam Griffith. For Jonathon Dean, the appointment was a poignant full-circle moment; he famously opened the batting for the PM’s XI against the West Indies in 2013, blasting 51 off 38 balls. “It’s obviously got a special place in my heart,” Dean remarked. “To be involved in a coaching capacity again with some great coaches… it’s going to be a really good experience.”
November: The One-Day Switch
Community Spotlight: Playing for 22 As the calendar turned to November and the competition shifted to the white-ball format, the focus on the field was matched by a profound purpose off it. November 1st marked Cricket ACT’s inaugural Speak & Share for Mental Health Round, a weekend dedicated to destigmatizing mental health conversations within sporting clubs.
At the heart of this initiative was Tuggeranong Valley fast bowler and recent ACT Comets debutant, Harry Thomas. For Thomas, the round was deeply personal. In January 2025, he lost his younger brother to suicide. When he takes the field, he now bears the number “22” inked on his wrist—his brother’s race car number—as a permanent reminder of the legacy he carries. “It creates conversations that could save someone’s life,” Thomas noted, as clubs across the capital united to support mental resilience.
Round 3: The Bluebag Juggernaut & Lower Grade Thrillers (Nov 1) Queanbeyan continued their dominance with a destructive display against Eastlake. Openers Raakin Rahman (113) and Tyler van Luin (112) shared a 201-run stand, posting a massive 6 for 327. It was a display of pure batting dominance, blending aggression with strike rotation. Eastlake fought hard but fell for 277 all out, led by Nic Broes (67) and Oliver Blaney-Brown (53), as Kai Brunker collected 3 for 41.
North Canberra-Gungahlin caused the upset of the round, rolling the highly touted ANU for just 110 all out. Captain Nick Wood (4 for 25) led from the front, his seam movement proving too much for the Students. Norths chased the target comfortably to win by 7 wickets (3 for 114), anchored by Lachlan Whatmough (27) and Matt Wilson (26).
Tuggeranong Valley secured a comfortable 6-wicket win on adjusted targets over Weston Creek Molonglo. Weston Creek Molonglo was dismissed for 218 all out despite a fighting 77 from Hugh Taylor, as Harry Thomas claimed 3 for 35. Tuggeranong cruised to the target, finishing at 4 for 185 from 37 overs thanks to Lukas Boorer (65) and Zac Worden (52).
Ginninderra breezed past Western District, restricting them to 121 all out as Luke Powell tore through the top order to claim 4 for 26. In response, Nick Allen blasted an unbeaten 67 off just 54 balls to seal a comprehensive 8-wicket win.
Round 4: Solway’s Masterclass & Heavyweight Clashes (Nov 8) Queanbeyan’s batting lineup seemed to have no tail. This time, it was veteran Mark Solway who took center stage, compiling a masterly unbeaten 104 off 130 balls. Supported by Raakin Rahman (66), they posted 7 for 258 to crush Western District by 155 runs. Wests were left reeling for just 103 all out, with David Waters taking 3 for 36.
Eastlake won a high-scoring shootout against Weston Creek Molonglo. Nic Broes (75) and S Thakker (43*) lifted Eastlake to 6 for 287. Broes then completed a phenomenal all-round performance by taking 4 for 41, restricting the Creek to 267 all out despite brilliant half-centuries from Norman Vanua (56) and Lachlan Noble (47).
Ginninderra edged out ANU in a tense 4-wicket win. ANU posted a highly competitive 8 for 269, built around a magnificent 105 from Ben Homan and 61 from Ansh Tiwary. Ginninderra chased it down methodically, reaching 6 for 273 anchored by Dylan Faram (60) and Nick Allen (47), withstanding 3 for 34 from Will O’Brien.
North Canberra-Gungahlin secured a 7-wicket victory over Tuggeranong Valley. Ziad Khan destroyed the Valley lineup with a brilliant 5 for 28, rolling them for 145 all out despite Zac Worden’s 51. Norths chased the target with ease (3 for 146), driven by identical blazing half-centuries from Amit Sharma (57) and Matt Wilson (55).
Round 5: The Day of the Double-Tons & Record Breakers (Nov 9) November 9 will be etched in history as a day of absolute batting supremacy across all grades.
Queanbeyan’s top order operated in a league of their own. Raakin Rahman (119) and Tyler van Luin (108) combined for a staggering 215-run partnership to post 9 for 302 against ANU. For Van Luin, it was his third century in four innings, an astonishing run of form. ANU was bowled out for 190, with Jake Smith providing a lone hand of 79, as David Waters took 2 for 13.
Not to be outdone, Eastlake produced a record-breaking 10-wicket win over Wests. Chasing 246 (set up by Oscar Lyons’ 77 and Maaz Khan’s 63), openers Nic Broes (unbeaten 109) and Oliver Blaney-Brown (unbeaten 121) mowed down the target unbeaten in just 34.3 overs, leaving the Wests bowlers demoralized.
North Canberra-Gungahlin dominated Weston Creek Molonglo by 140 runs. Norths posted 6 for 252, with Faaiz Sohail (64) and Amit Sharma (56) leading the charge. Weston Creek Molonglo was decimated for just 112 all out, as Fraser McGurk claimed a sensational 5 for 20 and Ziad Khan took 4 for 39.
Tuggeranong Valley claimed a 5-wicket win over Ginninderra on adjusted targets. Ginninderra posted 9 for 228, with Scott Murn scoring 56. Tuggeranong’s response of 5 for 201 off 40 overs was enough to secure the points, driven by a magnificent unbeaten 70 from Shane Devoy and 44 from Tyler Hays, overcoming Luke Powell’s 4 for 34.
Mid-November Spotlight: The Valley’s International Coup In the lead-up to the T20 competition, the Canberra cricket community was buzzed by a signing that transcended the usual grade cricket transfer news. Tuggeranong Valley secured the services of former England international Ollie Robinson, a coup that sent a strong message about the quality and ambition of the ACT Premier competition.
The 31-year-old seamer, boasting Ashes experience and a CV forged in the pressure cookers of the international arena, arrived in the capital not for a holiday, but to rediscover his love for the game at the grassroots level. “It’s about giving back to clubs and communities and just getting stuck into wherever I am really,” Robinson noted upon arrival. His move was facilitated by a connection with Greg Boorer, and his goals were clear: to mentor young talents like Comets rookie Harry Thomas and to enjoy the camaraderie of the game away from the glare of the MCG lights.
Round 6: T20 Action Begins (Nov 13) Mid-week T20s brought upsets and drama, introducing the volatility of the shortest format.
Tuggeranong Stuns Eastlake with Robinson’s Help: Fresh off their massive 10-wicket win, Eastlake stumbled against Tuggeranong Valley at Chisholm. The match was headlined by the debut of Ollie Robinson. The English pacer made an immediate impact, claiming 2 for 24 to help restrict Eastlake to 7 for 141 (Nic Broes 53). With the bat, Akshay Joseph (52) and Kyle Klesse (45*) powered Tuggeranong to an 8-wicket victory with 9 balls to spare.
Queanbeyan continued their winning ways with a 40-run win over Weston Creek Molonglo. Esam Rahman blasted a phenomenal 90 off 54 balls (including 6 sixes) to push Queanbeyan to 4 for 199. Weston Creek Molonglo fought hard but were bowled out for 159 all out, strangled by Zac Harlow’s 4 for 14.
Ginninderra defended 4 for 148 to beat Norths by 9 runs in a thriller. Ek Singh (59) and Brad Thomas (47*) top-scored for the Tigers. Norths fell agonizingly short at 139 all out, despite a rapid 49 off 31 balls from Nick Kent, as Scott Murn claimed 3 for 16.
ANU comfortably chased down Western District’s 116 all out, winning by 7 wickets. J Smith was the chief destroyer with 4 for 22. In reply, Dave Dubey smashed a brilliant unbeaten 66 off 50 balls to guide the Students home with 4 overs to spare.
Round 7: The Red Ball Returns (Nov 15-22) As November progressed, the competition returned to the Two-Day format, bringing back the tactical nuances of red-ball cricket.
Wests Crush Tuggeranong: Western District secured a vital first-innings win over Tuggeranong Valley at Kaleen Oval. Wests posted a commanding 289 all out, anchored by a brilliant 93 from Lachlan Malcolm and a supporting 70 from Oscar Lyons. In reply, Tuggeranong were dismissed for 222 all out despite Kyle Klesse’s 69, as Tyler Hays (4 for 63) led the Wests attack with discipline.
ANU’s Great Escape: At Stirling Oval, ANU pulled off a thrilling 3-wicket win over Weston Creek Molonglo. After bowling Weston Creek Molonglo out for 172 all out (SJ Manton 58, JD Nicholson 2 for 45), ANU declared at 7 for 298 thanks to a majestic 124 from Daniel Leerdam and 61 from Harry O’Rourke. Weston Creek Molonglo fought back in the second dig (5 for 118, Josh Myburgh 48, Will O’Brien 4 for 31), but ANU had done enough to secure the points.
Norths Upset Eastlake: North Canberra-Gungahlin continued their giant-killing run, defeating Eastlake by 4 wickets on the first innings. Eastlake posted 178 all out, heavily reliant on Ranveer Singh’s 79, as Brad Ilott (4 for 25) and Harrison Jones (4 for 47) ripped through them. Nick Wood was the hero in the chase, scoring a magnificent unbeaten 100 to guide Norths to 6 for 332 declared.
Ginninderra Edges Queanbeyan: In the match of the round, Ginninderra handed Queanbeyan a rare defeat. The Tigers posted 285 all out, with Nick Allen (89) and Brad Thomas (56) starring, surviving a brilliant 5 for 78 from Esam Rahman. Queanbeyan fell just 34 runs short, bowled out for 251 all out despite Tyler van Luin’s 54 and Esam Rahman’s 50, as Luke Docherty (3 for 60) and Dylan Faram (3 for 13) shone with the ball for the Tigers in a high-quality contest.
The Pre-Christmas T20 Blitz (Rounds 8, 10, 11, 12 & 13) The first half of the season concluded with a frantic schedule of T20 and limited-overs matches, fundamentally reshaping the ladder before the break.
Round 8 T20s (Nov 27): Queanbeyan returned to dominant form with a 57-run win over Western District. Mark Solway was immovable, carrying his bat for a magnificent unbeaten 134 off 73 balls (19 fours, 2 sixes). Wests could only manage 155 all out in reply, stifled by Dylan Hunter (4 for 21). Ginninderra cruised to a 9-wicket win over Eastlake, chasing down 160 with ease thanks to Zac Maron’s 74 not out. ANU scraped home by 5 wickets against Norths in a tight chase. Norths posted 6 for 138 before Eric Bell (43) and Ansh Tiwary (41) led the Students to victory. The highlight of the round came at Stirling Oval, where Tuggeranong Valley pulled off a tense 4-wicket win over Weston Creek Molonglo. The match was defined by a stunning display of death bowling from former England international Ollie Robinson. Bowling the final over of the innings, Robinson claimed a hat-trick to clean up the tail, dismissing Sam Manton, Lachlan Noble, and Jeet Mehta in consecutive deliveries to bowl Weston Creek Molonglo out for 134 all out. Finishing with figures of 4 for 20, Robinson set the stage for the chase, which was guided home in the final over by Zac Worden (40) and Shane Devoy (29).
Round 10 T20s (Dec 11): Norths put on a dominant display against Eastlake at Ainslie, winning by 108 runs. Faaiz Sohail (52 not out) powered Norths to 7 for 178. Their bowlers then dismantled Eastlake for just 70 all out, with Harrison Jones (4 for 19) proving unplayable. Ginninderra continued their formidable form with an 8-wicket win over ANU. ANU posted a competitive 8 for 161 thanks to Daniel Leerdam (43). However, the Tigers made light work of the chase, with Nick Allen smashing an unbeaten 99 off 61 balls to guide them home. Queanbeyan secured a comfortable 6-wicket win over Tuggeranong Valley. Tuggeranong posted 6 for 128, led by Akshay Joseph (47 not out). Queanbeyan chased it down in the 16th over, thanks to Tyler van Luin (47) and Dylan Hunter (40). Western District chased down Weston Creek Molonglo’s 134 all out with 3 wickets in hand in a low-scoring thriller. Y Sharma (32) top-scored for the Creek, but Ky Bryant (6 for 15) was the destroyer for Wests. Aditya Sudharsan (41) guided the chase home.
Round 11 One-Dayers (Dec 13): Ginninderra’s power was fully displayed against Weston Creek Molonglo. Tom Hogan (53), Nick Allen (50), and Zac Maron (49) led a balanced attack to post 5 for 276. Weston Creek Molonglo fell 81 runs short (6 for 195), despite Sam Myburgh’s 57 not out. Norths edged Queanbeyan by 10 runs in a tight contest. Norths posted 7 for 221, anchored by Ziad Khan (81) and Lachlan Whatmough (51). Queanbeyan’s chase fell short at 211 all out despite Mark Solway’s 61 and Tyler van Luin’s rapid 45, as Nick Wood claimed 3 for 54. Western District pulled off a 3-wicket win over ANU. ANU was bowled out for 196 (J Smith 79) as Ky Bryant took 3 for 36. Wests chased it down in the 42nd over (7 for 195), with Aditya Sudharsan (41) leading the way. Tuggeranong Valley secured a 4-wicket win over Eastlake. Eastlake posted 6 for 155, with Nic Broes making 42. Tuggeranong chased it down comfortably (6 for 161), with Kyle Klesse (48) the top scorer.
Round 12 T20s (Dec 18): Queanbeyan bounced back with a 5-wicket win over Eastlake. Eastlake posted 154 all out (Ranveer Singh 59), but Mark Solway (47 not out) and Dylan Hunter (38) guided Qbn to the target in the 18th over. Western District edged out Norths by 5 wickets. Norths posted 7 for 141 (Ziad Khan 33), but Wests chased it down with 9 balls to spare thanks to Aditya Sudharsan (36*). Weston Creek Molonglo defeated ANU by 10 runs. Weston Creek Molonglo defended 3 for 166 (Atharv Deshpande 77*, Josh Myburgh 48*) to restrict ANU to 5 for 156 despite Daniel Leerdam’s 53. Lewis Bugden (3 for 18) was the pick of the bowlers. Tuggeranong upset Ginninderra by 5 wickets. Ginninderra posted 7 for 156 (Ek Singh 45, Zac Maron 40, Tyler Hays 3 for 33). Tuggeranong chased it with three balls to spare, led by a match-winning 68 from Lukas Boorer.
Round 13 T20s (Dec 20): Western District capped a perfect week with a 6-wicket win over Eastlake. Eastlake posted 6 for 131, but Oscar Lyons (61 not out) steered Wests to victory in just 15.1 overs. Norths defended 8 for 130 against Weston Creek Molonglo, winning by 37 runs. Nick Kent starred with 64 not out, while Djali Bloomfield took 3 for 16. Weston Creek Molonglo was skittled for 93 all out. Ginninderra hammered Queanbeyan by 7 wickets. Queanbeyan posted 6 for 157 (Dylan Hunter 65, Luke Docherty 4 for 31). Ginninderra chased it in just 15.3 overs thanks to a blitz from Dylan Faram (67 not out) and Brad Thomas (36 off 14 balls). Tuggeranong crushed ANU by 61 runs (DLS/adjusted). Tuggeranong posted 104 all out (Kyle Klesse 50). In a rain-affected rout, ANU was restricted to 4 for 43 off their 7 overs, with Bradley Kwong taking 3 for 8.
Representative Cricket: Trials and Tribulations
The ACT Meteors: Life After Katie Mack The Meteors’ season was defined by heartbreakingly close finishes. WNCL: In two matches against Queensland, the Meteors lost by 2 wickets and 5 wickets respectively. Zoe Cooke (60 not out & 3 wickets) and Grace Lyons (94) were standouts, proving the team could compete with the best, even if they couldn’t quite close out the wins. T20 Spring Challenge: A rollercoaster campaign saw a gritty win over the Adelaide Strikers (defending 126) but narrow losses to the Renegades and Scorchers. Olivia Porter emerged as a key batter, scoring a magnificent unbeaten 57 against the Renegades.
End of an Era: Erin Osborne Departs If the loss of Katie Mack on the field was a blow to the Meteors’ batting stocks, the announcement on October 25 that Head Coach Erin Osborne would be stepping down shook the foundations of the program. After a decade-long association with Cricket ACT—first as a star all-rounder and captain, then as a transformative administrator and coach—Osborne announced she would be pursuing an exciting coaching opportunity overseas. Her departure marks the definitive end of a chapter for the Meteors, leaving a young squad to forge a new identity without their long-time mentor.
The ACT Comets: Highs and Heartbreaks The Comets’ Toyota Second XI campaign has been a tale of individual brilliance overshadowing team results. Perth Struggle: Facing a massive WA total of 522 all out, the Comets showed fight in the first round. Scott Murn fell for a tragic 99 in the first innings, while Nic Broes struck a defiant 87 in the second. Despite the runs, WA secured an outright victory by 7 wickets. Keogh Haunts Phillip Oval: In mid-November, the Comets returned to Phillip Oval to host South Australia. It was a bittersweet affair for local fans, who watched former Comet Zak Keogh return in Redbacks colours to compile a flawless 101 against his old teammates. Along with Kane Halfpenny’s massive 195, SA posted 8 for 472. Broes and Evans Shine: In response, Nic Broes continued his stellar form with 93, while Raakin Rahman added 63. The match then became the Lewis Evans show; the Comets paceman tore through SA in the second innings with 6 for 38, completing a 10-wicket match haul for the game. Despite his heroics, the target proved too steep, and the Comets were bowled out for 153 all out, succumbing to the pressure on the final day.
Representative Spotlight: A Local Hero in the PM’s XI (Nov 17) The excitement for the impending international summer reached a fever pitch in mid-November with the announcement of the Prime Minister’s XI squad to face England. While the team was headlined by former Test batter Peter Handscomb (captain) and teenage sensation Sam Konstas, it was the inclusion of a local product that swelled chests in the capital.
Fast bowler Sam Skelly was named as the local ACT representative in the squad. Skelly, a product of the Cricket ACT pathway who had recently made his Sheffield Shield debut for Queensland, was selected to partner veteran Peter Siddle in the attack for the pink-ball clash. His selection was a validation of the territory’s development programs. The squad also featured another familiar face for local fans: Benji Floros. Now part of the Queensland Bulls squad, Floros cut his teeth in ACT Premier Cricket with Tuggeranong Valley, making his selection a double celebration for the Valley faithful alongside the arrival of Ollie Robinson.
November Finale: The Prime Minister’s XI (Nov 29-30) The “Golden Summer” reached institutional zenith in late November as Manuka Oval played host to the traditional Prime Minister’s XI fixture against the England Lions. Played under lights with the pink ball, the match offered a stage for Australia’s emerging talent to test themselves against high-quality international opposition.
PM’s XI Declaration Batting first, the Prime Minister’s XI displayed a mix of grit and flair. Campbell Kellaway anchored the innings with a classy 82, supported by a composed 63 from South Australia’s Nathan McSweeney and a fluent 54 from youngster Oliver Peake. With the score at 8 for 308, captain Peter Handscomb declared, looking to challenge the English batters under lights.
England’s Dominant Reply The England Lions responded with emphatic authority. James Rew was the star, compiling an unbeaten 92 off 123 balls, steering the chase with maturity. He found ample support in Tom Haines (77) and Emilio Gay (56 retired), as the visitors chased down the target with 8 wickets in hand, finishing on 2 for 309 in 66.3 overs.
Local Heroes Toil For the local ACT representatives, it was a steep learning curve against world-class batting. Sam Skelly (0 for 52 off 10 overs) and former Tuggeranong Valley product Benji Floros (0 for 56 off 11.3 overs) bowled with heart and pace but went unrewarded on a good batting surface. Despite the loss, their presence on the field alongside legends like Peter Siddle was a celebration of the ACT pathway’s ability to produce players for the big stage.
Pathway Cricket: The National Youth Championships
Throughout the summer, the next generation of ACT stars tested their mettle against the best young talent in the country at the National Youth Championships across various formats and locations.
ACT Under 19s (Male) The Under 19 men’s squad headed to Perth in early December and immediately made their mark in the opening round, securing a confident 20-run victory over Tasmania. Batting first, the ACT posted 279 all out, fueled by a powerful 60 from Hugh Taylor, 45 from Tom Hogan, and a rapid 42 off 30 balls from Lukas Boorer. Jeet Mehta (3 for 30) and Liam Barlow (3 for 58) then held their nerve to bowl Tasmania out for 259 all out. The remainder of the tournament proved challenging against strong state sides. Despite fighting knocks from Dylan Shillington (46) and Mehta (41*) in a loss to NSW Country, and a spirited 3 for 28 from Sam Walsh against NSW Metro, victories were hard to come by. However, individual brilliance shone through, most notably in Round 4. Despite a narrow 6-wicket loss to Victoria Metro, Tom Hogan scored a magnificent unbeaten 104 off 99 balls—an innings that undoubtedly contributed to his subsequent call-up to the Australian Under 19 World Cup squad.
ACT Under 19s (Female) The Under 19 women navigated a grueling schedule of T20 and 50-over matches, highlighted by moments of individual brilliance and thrilling finishes. The tournament began with a challenging double-header: a narrow loss to Victoria Metro (despite 44 from Alyssa Holcombe and 34 from Amber Smith) was immediately followed by a spectacular 4-run victory over NSW Country. In that win, Amber Smith (50) and Rachel Carroll (33) set a competitive 4 for 118, before Vivien Field (2 for 25) helped restrict the chase. Days later, they produced a dominant performance against South Australia. Lilly Tarrant tore through the lineup, claiming spectacular figures of 4 for 22 to bundle the opposition out for just 77. The run chase was clinical, with Ananya Bhanage (30) and Alana Horsfall (26*) guiding the ACT to a crushing 9-wicket victory. The 50-over matches tested their endurance; a valiant chase of Western Australia’s 235 saw the ACT fall just 10 runs short despite brilliant half-centuries from Alana Horsfall (55) and Rachel Carroll (54), and 48 from the remarkably consistent Amber Smith.
ACT Under 17s (Male) The Under 17 men kicked off their January campaign in Queensland with a comprehensive 7-wicket victory over the Northern Territory. Ubaid Sohail (3 for 14), J Mehta (2 for 9), and Vihaan Vikramadithyan (2 for 1) decimated the NT batting lineup, bowling them out for 73 before Eashan Deo (29*) and Adheesha Weerasooriya (30) chased the target with ease. The squad was highly competitive in subsequent rounds, suffering a painfully narrow 3-wicket loss to Queensland despite a superb 60 from Cooper French. Jayden Mendis proved to be the bedrock of the middle order, top-scoring with 28 against Victoria Metro, 39 against South Australia, and a brilliant 55 against Western Australia, while also contributing vital wickets. Vihaan Vikramadithyan also showed his class with a fighting 47 against South Australia, and Caleb Woodburn provided consistent all-round value throughout the grueling week.
ACT Under 16s (Female) The youngest territorial squad faced a steep learning curve in their tournament in Launceston, navigating tough fixtures against deeply resourced state sides. While victories remained elusive, the squad showed immense resilience and uncovered promising future talent. The highlight of their campaign was undoubtedly Dhruvi Patel’s heroic all-round effort against the Northern Territory; after taking 3 for 25 with the ball, Patel carried her bat through the innings for a gritty, unbeaten 50 off 95 balls. Florence Chevalier was another standout, demonstrating excellent technique to top-score on multiple occasions, including an unbeaten 34 against Western Australia, 27 against NT, and 26 against Victoria Country. Amelie Bishop and Alyssa White were tireless leaders of the bowling attack, regularly picking up early wickets against formidable top orders.
Global Recognition: Tom Hogan’s World Cup Call-Up (Dec 14) Following the conclusion of the male National Championships, the ACT celebrated another major milestone. Tom Hogan, the Ginninderra all-rounder and ACT Comets squad member, was named in Australia’s Under 19 World Cup squad for the tournament in Namibia and Zimbabwe (Jan 2026).
Hogan became the fifth ACT player to receive this honour, Jason Floros being the last, 15 years prior. “It means a lot. Cricket ACT has given me so many opportunities,” Hogan said. His selection, on the back of his performances in the multi-format series against India and his stunning 104* at the National Championships, was praised by Comets coach Jono Dean as a “reward for years of hard work.” Hogan’s ability to contribute with both bat and left-arm orthodox spin makes him a vital asset for the national side.
The Big Bash Comes to Canberra (Dec 22 & 28) Manuka Oval once again shone as a premier venue during the festive season, hosting two BBL fixtures that drew large crowds and showcased elite T20 talent.
Thunder Strikes Heat (Dec 22): The Sydney Thunder produced a commanding performance to defeat the Brisbane Heat by 34 runs. Batting first, the Thunder posted a formidable 4 for 193, with Matthew Gilkes (76 off 48) and Sam Konstas (63 off 45) putting on a clinic. Despite Matt Renshaw’s fighting 43, the Heat crumbled to 6 for 159, strangled by Shadab Khan (4 for 24) and Daniel Sams (2 for 25).
Stars Shine Bright (Dec 28): In the final match of the year, the Melbourne Stars demolished the Sydney Thunder by 9 wickets. The Thunder were bundled out for just 128 all out, undone by Haris Rauf (3 for 29). The chase was a procession, with Joe Clarke (60) and Glenn Maxwell (39 not out) racing to the target in just 14 overs, providing a spectacular finish to 2025 for the local fans.
Analysis: The Hierarchy Shifts at Christmas As the competition breaks for the holidays, the narrative of a predictable title race has been shattered. The “Big Three” have been challenged, and the chasing pack has bitten back.
The Resurgence of the Underdogs: The story of December belongs to Tuggeranong Valley and Western District. Both sides went on significant winning streaks late in the month. Tuggeranong’s victories over Ginninderra and ANU prove they are genuine contenders, while Wests have found a winning formula built on gritty run-chases.
Queanbeyan’s Vulnerability: The defending champions have wobbled. Losing to Ginninderra in Round 13 and being pushed by Norths earlier in the month has exposed cracks. While their batting remains strong, their bowling depth is being tested by aggressive opposition.
The Crisis at ANU and Eastlake: Conversely, ANU and Eastlake head into the break in crisis mode. ANU’s batting collapse for 43 all out against Tuggeranong epitomizes a dramatic loss of form for a side that started the season so brightly. Eastlake remains winless in December, desperately needing a reset.
Ginninderra & Norths hold firm: Despite a slip-up against Tuggeranong, Ginninderra finished the year with a demolition of Queanbeyan, asserting their dominance as the team to beat. Norths continue to be the wildcard, capable of beating the best but occasionally stumbling.
New Year, New Hope (January)
Meteors’ Double Delight (Jan 6 & 8) The new year brought a fresh start for the ACT Meteors, who turned their season around with back-to-back victories over Victoria at Phillip Oval, proving they could win in different ways.
Match 1: The Composed Chase (Jan 6) In the first encounter, the Meteors produced a disciplined bowling performance after electing to field. Zoe Cooke (3 for 34) and Amy Hunter (3 for 30) tore through the Victorian top order, dismissing the visitors for 161 all out in the 37th over. In reply, despite a wobble at the top, skipper Carly Leeson (50) steadied the ship before Annie Wikman played the anchor role to perfection. Wikman finished unbeaten on 62, guiding the ACT home by 4 wickets in the 34th over.
Match 2: Wikman’s Masterclass (Jan 8) Two days later, the Meteors completed the double with a dominant 48-run victory. This time batting first, the innings was defined by a career-best performance from Annie Wikman. She anchored the side with a magnificent unbeaten 142 off 136 balls (11 fours), finding valuable support from Paris Bowdler (40) to lift the ACT to 7 for 247. Defending the total, the ACT attack was relentless. Anesu Mushangwe picking up 3 for 35 as Victoria was bowled out for 199 all out, sealing a perfect week for the Meteors.
Comets Toil in Tasmania (Jan 19-22) While the Meteors found success, the ACT Comets faced a grueling challenge in the Toyota Second XI competition, suffering an innings defeat to Tasmania at the TCA Ground in Hobart. The match also marked a significant personal milestone for Luke Docherty, who made his debut for the territory, joining the attack on a tough initiation to the next level.
Day 1 & 2: A Difficult Start Sent into bat, the Comets struggled to come to terms with the conditions and the discipline of the Tasmanian attack. Despite a composed 44 from opener Zac Maron and a fighting 37 from Tyler van Luin, the visitors failed to forge significant partnerships. Wickets fell at regular intervals to Raef MacMillan (2 for 23), restricting the ACT to a sub-par first-innings total of 196 all out.
The Tasmanian Wall & Rahman’s Spark Tasmania’s response was emphatic, batting the Comets out of the contest with a massive total of 433 all out. However, amidst the long overs in the field, a bright spark emerged for the ACT. Young leg-spinner Raakin Rahman produced a breakout performance, bowling with superb control and guile to claim 5 for 40.
The Fightback and Defeat Trailing by 237 runs on the first innings, the Comets showed greater resolve in the second dig. Tyler van Luin proved to be the object that would not move, crafting a gritty and defiant 86 off 169 balls to delay the inevitable. He found an ally in the experienced Mark Solway (39), but once their resistance was broken, the tail folded. The Comets were bowled out for 231 all out, handing Tasmania a comprehensive victory by an innings and 6 runs.
Round 14: T20 Fireworks (Jan 10) The T20 action continued into the new year with Round 14, a day of emphatic victories that further solidified the top tier.
Ginninderra’s Blitzkrieg: At Kippax No. 1, Ginninderra produced a batting masterclass to chase down Weston Creek Molonglo’s 4 for 111 in just 9.2 overs. After restricting the Creek with disciplined bowling from Luke Ryan (2 for 22), Scott Murn, and Luke Powell, the Tigers unleashed Brad Thomas. Thomas played one of the most explosive innings of the season, blasting an unbeaten 71 off just 25 balls (striking at 284.00 with 8 sixes). His onslaught included a brutal assault on Blake Faunce, taking 33 runs off a single over with a sequence of dot, 6, 6, 6 (no-ball), 6, 6, 2—smashing five sixes in six legal deliveries.
Queanbeyan Crushes Norths: At Keith Tournier Memorial Oval, Queanbeyan reasserted their dominance with a clinical 8-wicket win over fellow contenders North Canberra-Gungahlin. Norths were bundled out for just 116 all out, undone by a devastating spell of bowling from the Bluebags. Zac Harlow (3 for 8) and Harry Devine (3 for 10) were unplayable. In reply, Queanbeyan made light work of the chase. Veteran Mark Solway continued his rich vein of form with an unbeaten 52 off 45 balls, reaching the target in the 15th over.
Eastlake Comfortably Defeats ANU: At Kingston Oval, Eastlake secured a 7-wicket win over ANU. ANU posted a modest 7 for 127, with Eric Bell top-scoring with 33. Shrey Thakker (39) and Nic Broes (32 not out) ensured Eastlake chased down the target with ease.
Tuggeranong Edges Wests: In a close encounter at Chisholm, Tuggeranong Valley defended 5 for 152 to beat Western District by 7 runs. Akshay Joseph (53) and Zac Worden (31) were the key contributors with the bat. Despite Matthew Sharp’s 40, Wests fell short on 6 for 145, restricted by Craig Devoy (2 for 19) and Brayden Jones (2 for 21).
Historic Off-Field Milestone: The Scorer’s Record (Jan 10) While fireworks exploded on the pitch at Kippax in Round 14, a quieter but no less significant piece of history was written off it. Adam Morehouse, the long-serving scorer for Ginninderra, officiated his 241st Premier Cricket match, surpassing the previous all-time record of 240 matches held by the legendary Arthur Chapman.
Starting his scoring journey as a 21-year-old in 1998, Morehouse has been a fixture of the local game for over two decades, scoring for Weston Creek Molonglo (2003–2018) before moving to Ginninderra. He has also scored 4 Test matches and 17 ODIs.
To mark the occasion, players from both Ginninderra and Weston Creek Molonglo—the two clubs that have defined his journey—formed a guard of honour. Ginninderra captain Scott Murn paid tribute to the milestone: “Club cricket has been part of Australia’s DNA since the 1830s… it’s truly remarkable when an all-time record in the game is broken. I think it’s quite poetic that today’s milestone game is played between two clubs… who have been a significant part of Adam’s journey.” It was a moment that celebrated the unsung heroes who keep the game alive.
Round 15: T20 Action Continues (Jan 15) The mid-week T20 round delivered more high-octane action as teams jostled for position heading into the business end of the white-ball competition.
Queanbeyan Defeats ANU: At Freebody Oval, Queanbeyan successfully defended 6 for 144 to defeat ANU by 20 runs. Esam Rahman (45) and Zac Harlow (26 not out) lifted the Bluebags to a competitive total despite Dave Dubey’s 3 for 20. In reply, ANU was bowled out for 124 all out, with Zac Harlow (3 for 19) and David Waters (3 for 26) proving too strong for the Students’ middle order.
Weston Creek Molonglo’s Deshpande Dominates: Weston Creek Molonglo secured a comfortable 47-run win over Eastlake at Owens Oval. Atharv Deshpande blasted 77 off 56 balls to power the Creek to 5 for 178. Eastlake crumbled in the chase, bowled out for 131 all out despite Adam Tett’s 44, with Kris Ravinuthala claiming 3 for 15.
Tuggeranong Tops Norths: Tuggeranong Valley continued their strong form with a 29-run win over North Canberra-Gungahlin. Hayden Kerr (54) and Akshay Joseph (48) set up a total of 6 for 178. Norths fought back through Nick Kent (52 not out), but the target proved too steep as Harry Thomas (3 for 36) kept them to 6 for 149.
Ginninderra Edges Wests: In a tight contest at Kippax, Ginninderra defended 6 for 140 to beat Western District by just 8 runs. Zac Maron (52) anchored the Tigers’ innings. The game turned on a dime late in the chase thanks to Luke Powell, who claimed a stunning hat-trick in the 19th over to derail Wests. Powell finished with 3 for 25. Despite Aditya Thakare’s (49) efforts and Maaz Khan’s (4 for 22) earlier bowling for Wests, the Tigers held on.
The January One-Day Double-Header (Rounds 16 & 17) The Premier Cricket competition shifted gears in mid-January with a grueling weekend of 50-over matches that produced a flurry of centuries and defined the finals race.
Round 16 (Jan 17): Batters Dominate Ginninderra vs Eastlake: In a high-scoring affair at Kippax, Ginninderra posted a massive 7 for 325. Nick Allen was the star, compiling a magnificent 108, well supported by Zac Maron (86). In reply, Eastlake’s Jack Sanson played a lone hand with a spectacular 133 off 119 balls, but his side fell 53 runs short, bowled out for 272 all out. ANU vs Tuggeranong: ANU produced a clinical chase to defeat Tuggeranong Valley by 8 wickets. Tuggeranong posted a competitive 9 for 240, built around a patient 96 from Kyle Klesse. ANU’s response was emphatic, chasing down the target in just 38.5 overs. Jake Smith (unbeaten 77) and Daniel Leerdam (unbeaten 71) shared an unbeaten partnership to guide the Students home with ease. Queanbeyan vs Weston Creek Molonglo: Queanbeyan returned to their dominant best, defeating Weston Creek Molonglo by 96 runs. Batting first, the Bluebags amassed 7 for 273, with Jack Stokes (63) and Tyler van Luin (50) leading the way. Weston Creek Molonglo crumbled in reply, bowled out for 177 all out despite Aminda Weerasooriya’s 48, as Ishan Dalvi and Kai Brunker took 3 wickets apiece. Norths vs Wests: North Canberra-Gungahlin held their nerve to chase down Western District’s 215 all out with 5 wickets in hand. Ziad Khan (68) and Nick Kent (41) anchored the chase after Aditya Thakare (70) had earlier set up Wests’ total.
Round 17 (Jan 18): The Craig Devoy Show Tuggeranong vs Wests: The individual performance of the season belonged to Tuggeranong veteran Craig Devoy. With his side in trouble against Western District, Devoy smashed 71 to lift them to 153 all out. He then took the ball and tore through the Wests lineup, claiming stunning figures of 5 for 16 to bowl them out for 111 all out, securing a 42-run win single-handedly. Ginninderra vs Queanbeyan: In a clash of heavyweights, Ginninderra made a huge statement by thrashing Queanbeyan by 89 runs at Freebody Oval. The Tigers posted 9 for 256, with Nick Allen continuing his golden run with 73. Luke Powell then dismantled the Bluebags’ chase, taking 5 for 42 as Queanbeyan slumped to 167 all out. Weston Creek Molonglo Upsets ANU: A run-fest at ANU North Oval saw Weston Creek Molonglo upset ANU. Weston Creek Molonglo posted 5 for 273 thanks to an unbeaten century from Hugh Taylor (110) and a brilliant 96 from Atharv Deshpande. ANU fought valiantly with Ansh Tiwary scoring a sublime 112, but they fell short, bowled out for 219 all out. Norths vs Eastlake: Norths piled more misery on Eastlake, winning by 80 runs. Nick Wood led from the front with a captain’s knock of unbeaten 103, powering his side to 7 for 258. Eastlake could only manage 178 all out in reply.
Round 18: Rahman and Sanson Light Up the One-Day Cup (Jan 24) The One-Day competition continued to deliver drama in Round 18, with centuries, upsets, and nail-biting finishes defining the weekend.
Queanbeyan Muscles Past Tuggeranong: At Chisholm Oval, Queanbeyan flexed their batting might with a dominant 83-run win. Esam Rahman was the destroyer-in-chief, blasting a phenomenal 106 off just 73 balls (13 fours, 5 sixes). Supported by Mark Solway’s unbeaten 80, the Bluebags posted 7 for 299. Tuggeranong fought hard but were bowled out for 216 all out, with Guy Gillespie claiming 4 for 43.
Norths Stun Ginninderra: In the upset of the round, North Canberra-Gungahlin defeated the high-flying Ginninderra by 66 runs. Norths scraped to 205 all out thanks to Matt Wilson (68) and Ziad Khan (58). However, the Tigers’ vaunted batting lineup crumbled in the chase. Ziad Khan (3 for 33) and Fraser McGurk (3 for 31) spun a web, dismissing Ginninderra for just 139 all out.
ANU Wins Thriller Over Eastlake: ANU kept their finals hopes alive with a 5-wicket win over Eastlake in a high-scoring affair. Eastlake’s Jack Sanson scored his second consecutive century (111 off 131 balls), lifting his side to 246 all out. But ANU’s Eric Bell responded with a brilliant 92, and Daniel Leerdam added 80, guiding the Students home with 9 overs to spare.
Wests Edge Weston Creek Molonglo: Western District pulled off a heart-stopping 3-wicket win against Weston Creek Molonglo. Chasing 167 all out, Wests were in trouble at 7 for 164 before tailenders Dylan Shillington (34 not out) and Brayden Jones saw them home. Djali Bloomfield bowled a heroic spell for Weston Creek Molonglo, taking 4 for 24 to nearly steal the win, but Wests held on.
Off-Field Drama: The Big Bash Blockade (Jan 26) As January drew to a close, a storm erupted off the field regarding the capital’s long-held dream of a Big Bash League franchise. Reports surfaced that Cricket ACT Chairman Greg Boorer—the driving force behind the Canberra bid—was being effectively “locked out” of negotiations by power brokers from rival states.
The controversy centred on Cricket Australia’s discussions regarding the privatization of BBL clubs. It was reported that Cricket NSW held fears that Boorer, a corporate titan and founder of Canberra Data Centres, intended to purchase the financially struggling Sydney Thunder and relocate the franchise to Canberra.
Despite the ACT Government committing $3 million to a prospective team and Boorer’s significant personal investment in local cricket infrastructure (including a new facility at Radford College), reports suggested that special clauses were being considered to block such a move. Instead, New Zealand emerged as a likely destination for expansion to capitalize on broadcast time zones.
The news threatened to reopen old wounds in the capital, echoing the heartbreak of 26 years prior when the Canberra Comets were cut from the domestic one-day competition. With Manuka Oval having been packed for recent BBL fixtures, the potential snub left local fans and officials questioning whether the territory was being treated as a “poor cousin” by the sport’s heavyweights.
Round 19: The Final Push (Jan 31 – Feb 7) As January bled into February, the red-ball format returned for Round 19, delivering mammoth totals and critical first-innings results that further shaped the Douglas Cup finals picture.
Ginninderra’s Mammoth Statement: At Kaleen Oval, Ginninderra flexed their formidable batting depth, amassing a staggering 427 all out against Western District. Veteran Scott Murn was the architect, compiling a magnificent 127 off 183 balls (17 fours, 2 sixes). He was heavily supported by Zac Maron (82) and Ethan Fitzpatrick (68). In reply, Wests were completely overwhelmed, skittled for just 123 all out in their first innings. Forced to follow on, Wests showed more resistance in the second innings (3 for 115), but Ginninderra secured a massive 304-run first-innings victory.
Wood’s All-Round Heroics: North Canberra-Gungahlin continued their giant-killing run, defeating ANU by 85 runs on the first innings at ANU North Oval. Norths posted 254 all out, led by a captain’s knock of 57 from Nick Wood. Wood then took the ball and dismantled the Students’ reply, claiming a brilliant 5 for 39 from 25 overs to bowl ANU out for 169 all out, despite 43 from Daniel Leerdam.
Queanbeyan Survives Sanson Scare: At Freebody Oval, Queanbeyan secured a 5-wicket first-innings win over Eastlake. Eastlake posted 226 all out, heavily reliant on another masterclass from Jack Sanson, who fell agonisingly short of his third consecutive century, dismissed for 98 (184 balls) by Harrison Bayliss (who starred with 4 for 28). Queanbeyan chased the target with composure, reaching 5 for 229 thanks to Esam Rahman’s rapid 63 and a steady, unbeaten 35 from Tyler van Luin.
Hays Destroys the Creek: Tuggeranong Valley secured a vital 50-run first-innings win over Weston Creek Molonglo at Chisholm. The Valley’s total of 269 all out was built on a collective effort from Lukas Boorer (67), Daniel Oshyer (66), and Kyle Klesse (63). In reply, Weston Creek Molonglo fought hard through Josh McIntyre (63) and Norman Vanua (44), but they had no answer for Tyler Hays. The Tuggeranong quick delivered a devastating, marathon spell of 6 for 51 off 26 overs, bowling Weston Creek Molonglo out for 219 all out.
Academy Spotlight: Lyndoch Triumph (Feb 10-13) In a mid-February break from local grade action, the ACT Academy traveled to Lyndoch Recreation Park for a red-ball clash against the South Australia Academy. In a high-quality encounter, the ACT secured a hard-fought 72-run first-innings victory.
Batting first, the ACT Academy posted 293 all out, anchored by gritty half-centuries from Jake Smith (58) and Jack Sanson (57). Dave Dubey provided vital lower-order runs with a rapid 50 off 71 balls. In response, South Australia declared at 7 for 221, largely thanks to a marathon unbeaten 98 from Hamish Case. Raakin Rahman (3 for 35) and Dave Dubey (3 for 45) were the standout performers with the ball for the ACT.
Looking to set a target, the ACT declared their second innings at 9 for 232. Jack Sanson was again the standout, falling just short of a century with a brilliant 87, while captain Zac Worden contributed a composed 61. Set an improbable chase, South Australia finished the match at 6 for 250, with Jake Smith (2 for 57) the multiple wicket-taker in the final session as the ACT celebrated a defining team success.
Round 20: Records Broken and Finals Stakes Raised (Feb 14-21) The penultimate round of the regular season delivered historic individual performances and solidified the top of the Douglas Cup table.
Solway and Rahman Rewrite the Record Books: At Freebody Oval, Queanbeyan posted a massive 4 for 398 declared against Weston Creek Molonglo. The innings was defined by an extraordinary 329-run partnership between Mark Solway and Raakin Rahman. Solway was immovable, finishing with a monumental unbeaten 187 off 249 balls, while Rahman blasted 154 (194 balls). In response, the Creek were skittled for just 96 all out, with Guy Gillespie (4 for 39) and David Waters (2 for 10) dominant. Forced to follow on, Weston Creek Molonglo reached 2 for 98 before play concluded, giving Queanbeyan a crushing 302-run first-innings victory.
Ginninderra Cruises as Willcox Claims a Hat-trick: Ginninderra reasserted their minor premiership credentials with a clinical 185-run first-innings win over Eastlake at Owens Oval. The Tigers declared at 6 for 365, built on nervous-nineties from Tom Hogan (97) and Nick Allen (95), plus a fluent 66 from Jordie Misic. Eastlake were dismissed for 180 all out in reply, as Tom Hogan completed a brilliant all-round game with 5 for 42. The highlight of the Tigers’ bowling effort was a sensational hat-trick from Jak Willcox, who finished with 3 for 36 to derail the Students’ middle order.
ANU Solidifies Third and Lemin Makes History: ANU secured a comprehensive 117-run first-innings win over Tuggeranong Valley at Chisholm. Batting first, the Students posted 260 all out, anchored by 74 from Eric Bell and 37 from Felix Bennett. Despite the loss, Tuggeranong’s Greg Lemin made historical headlines by claiming 5 for 64. Lemin, a former ACT player during the Mercantile Mutual Cup era, made a remarkable return to Premier Cricket at age 57, becoming the oldest known player to take five wickets in an ACT innings. Tuggeranong’s reply never got going, bowled out for 143 all out as Jeremy Nicholson (4 for 42) and Will O’Brien (2 for 29) applied the pressure.
Wests Upset Norths: In a result that threw the race for fourth wide open, Western District claimed a 62-run first-innings win over North Canberra-Gungahlin. Wests posted 223 all out, led by a gritty 79 from Viswesh Suman and 47 from Matthew Sharp, surviving 5 for 79 from Norths’ Fraser McGurk. Norths’ reply faltered to 161 all out, undone by a superb spell from Archie Selmes (4 for 15) and discipline from the Wests attack.
Meteors Conquer Tasmania (Feb 4 & 6) In early February, the ACT Meteors travelled to Bellerive Oval for a WNCL double-header against Tasmania and returned with two magnificent victories, showcasing both explosive batting and resilient bowling.
Match 1: Porter’s Century Seals the Chase (Feb 4) In the first clash, Tasmania posted 9 for 238, anchored by a century from Rachel Trenaman (103). Zoe Cooke was the standout bowler for the Meteors, claiming superb figures of 4 for 44, while captain Carly Leeson picked up 2 for 49. In reply, the Meteors made light work of the target, chasing it down with 5 wickets in hand in the 41st over. The chase was masterminded by a phenomenal century from Olivia Porter, who blasted 107 off just 104 balls (12 fours, 3 sixes). Leeson (28) and Georgia Elwiss (28) provided solid support to secure the win.
Match 2: Cooke and Wikman Star in a Thriller (Feb 6) Two days later, the Meteors held their nerve to secure a 10-run thriller and complete the sweep. Batting first, the ACT posted a formidable 9 for 295. Zoe Cooke backed up her bowling heroics from the first match with a brilliant 83 off 78 balls, while Annie Wikman continued her stellar season with a composed 70 (92 balls). Olivia Porter also set a strong early tempo with a rapid 46. In response, Tasmania fought hard through Emma Manix-Geeves (83) and Caitlin Mair (52). However, Anesu Mushangwe (3 for 34) and Georgia Elwiss (3 for 58) bowled crucial spells, restricting Tasmania to 8 for 285 from their 50 overs to seal a tense victory.
International Showcase: Australia vs India (Feb 19) The spotlight of the “Golden Summer” focused on Manuka Oval for a highly anticipated Women’s T20 International between Australia and India. In front of a buoyant Canberra crowd, Australia secured a clinical 19-run victory.
Batting first, Australia reached a competitive 5 for 163. The innings was dominated by an explosive 88 off 57 balls from Georgia Voll, whose power-hitting left the Indian attack searching for answers. She was ably supported by veteran opener Beth Mooney (46). Arundhati Reddy (2 for 30) was the pick of the Indian bowlers. In reply, India threatened through captain Harmanpreet Kaur (36) and Smriti Mandhana (31), but their chase stalled against a relentless Australian attack. Ashleigh Gardner delivered a match-winning spell of 3 for 22, while Kim Garth provided elite control with 2 for 16. India finished their 20 overs on 9 for 144, handing the hosts a hard-fought win and adding another chapter to the territorial summer’s international prestige.
Season Milestones: Celebrating Longevity
As the season progressed, the depth and history of the competition were highlighted by several stalwarts reaching significant personal milestones. These veterans form the backbone of ACT Premier Cricket.
- 300 Matches: A historic achievement was unlocked on January 10 when Eastlake veteran Adam Tett took the field for his 300th match.
- 250 Matches: Mark Solway (Queanbeyan) raised the bat for his 250th appearance on November 27.
- 200 Matches: The “200 Club” welcomed three new members: Rhys Healy (Ginninderra) on December 18, Guy Gillespie (Queanbeyan) on January 10, and Tyler van Luin (Queanbeyan) who reached the milestone on February 8.
- 150 Matches: Entering this bracket were Josh Myburgh (Weston Creek Molonglo) on November 9 and Amit Sharma (North Canberra-Gungahlin) on November 8.
- 100 Matches: A host of players notched their centuries of appearances: Gus Kent (North Canberra-Gungahlin) on Oct 25, Andrew Glover (Eastlake) on Nov 1, Oliver Blaney-Brown (Eastlake) on Nov 9, David Waters (Queanbeyan) on Nov 29, Tyler Hays (Tuggeranong Valley) on Dec 13, and Zac Maron (Ginninderra) on Feb 14.
- 50 Matches: Reaching their half-century of games were Kieran Monger (ANU) on Nov 9, Gen Casarotto (Norths) on Nov 13, Tom Hogan (Ginninderra) on Nov 15, Norman Vanua (Weston Creek Molonglo) on Dec 11, Hayden Watling (ANU) on Jan 15, Dave Dubey (ANU) on Jan 18, Lucas Louis (Eastlake) on Jan 18, Jeet Mehta (Weston Creek Molonglo) on Feb 14, and Zac Worden (Tuggeranong Valley) on Feb 15.
Batting Milestones: Runs on the Board Alongside the match milestones, several premier batters etched their names into the record books with significant run-scoring achievements.
- 7,000 Runs: Eastlake’s Adam Tett crossed the monumental 7,000-run threshold on February 14, 2026, further cementing his place as an all-time great of the ACT game.
- 5,000 Runs: The elite “5K Club” welcomed two modern greats: Mark Solway (Queanbeyan) on Nov 8 and Daniel Leerdam (ANU) on Dec 13.
- 4,000 Runs: Eastlake captain Nic Broes passed the 4,000-run milestone on January 10.
- 3,000 Runs: Reaching this landmark were Andrew Glover (Eastlake) on Nov 8, Dylan Faram (Ginninderra) on Dec 18, Jack Sanson (Eastlake) on Jan 17, Esam Rahman (Queanbeyan) on Jan 31, and Jordie Misic (Ginninderra).
- 2,000 Runs: Breaching the 2k mark were Oliver Blaney-Brown (Eastlake) on Nov 1, Raakin Rahman (Queanbeyan) on Nov 9, Lachlan Whatmough (Norths) on Nov 9, Jake Smith (ANU) on Jan 17, Tom Vane-Tempest (Tuggeranong Valley) on Feb 1, Zac Maron (Ginninderra) on Jan 31, Nick Allen (Ginninderra) on Feb 14, and Eric Bell (ANU) on Feb 14.
- 1,000 Runs: New entrants included Tom Hogan (Ginninderra) on Oct 25, Zac Worden (Tuggeranong) on Nov 8, Nick Kent (Norths) on Nov 1, Lachlan Malcolm (Wests) on Nov 15, Felix Bennett (ANU) on Dec 11, Scott McFarlane (Wests) on Dec 13, David Waters (Queanbeyan) on Dec 13, Norman Vanua (Weston Creek Molonglo) on Jan 31, and Viswesh Suman (Western District) on Jan 31.
Bowling Milestones: Wickets in the Bank The season also saw the ball dominate the bat on many occasions, with several bowlers celebrating major career landmarks.
- 600 Wickets: Tuggeranong Valley icon Shane Devoy achieved a monumental milestone on January 10, claiming his 600th wicket.
- 450 Wickets: Weston Creek Molonglo spearhead Djali Bloomfield brought up his 450th wicket on January 24.
- 300 Wickets: Nick Wood (Norths) claimed his 300th wicket on Oct 11, joined later by Ginninderra’s Luke Ryan who brought up his 300th on February 15.
- 250 Wickets: Scott Murn (Ginninderra) reached the mark on Nov 13, while Greg Lemin (Tuggeranong Valley) joined this group on February 14 during his historic 5-wicket haul.
- 200 Wickets: Craig Devoy (Tuggeranong Valley) joined the 200-wicket club on Nov 29.
- 150 Wickets: Kai Brunker (Queanbeyan) reached the mark on Oct 25, while David Waters (Queanbeyan) reached his milestone on January 15.
- 100 Wickets: Raising the ball for a century were Luke Powell (Ginninderra) on Nov 1, Harrison Jones (Norths) on Dec 11, Jeremy Nicholson (ANU) on Nov 29, Tyler Hays (Tuggeranong Valley) on Jan 31, Harry O’Rourke (ANU) on Jan 31, and Sid Sharma (Ginninderra) on Jan 31.
- 50 Wickets: Reaching their half-century of scalps were Lachlan Noble (Weston Creek) on Oct 11, Brayden Jones (Wests) on Oct 25, Sineth Herath (Ginninderra) on Nov 15, Tom Hogan (Ginninderra) on Nov 27, Nick Kent (Norths) on Jan 17, Dave Dubey (ANU) on Jan 17, Monty Poonia (Weston Creek) on Jan 18, Amit Sharma (Norths) on Jan 24, Harry Thomas (Tuggeranong) on Jan 15, Matthew Shean (Tuggeranong Valley) on Feb 1, and Jeet Mehta (Weston Creek Molonglo) on Jan 31.
ACT Comets & Meteors Landmarks Alongside the local grade competition, representative players achieved significant career landmarks.
- Comets: Nic Broes (1,000 runs), Zak Keogh (1,000 runs), and Lewis Evans (50 wickets).
- Meteors: Zoe Cooke (100 matches & 1,000 runs), Olivia Porter (50 matches & 1,000 runs), and Annie Wikman (1,000 runs).
Analysis: The Douglas Cup Race – Heading into the Final Round
Heading into the high-stakes final round, the Douglas Cup leaderboard presents a fascinating picture of statistical dominance and mid-table desperation.
- Batting Leaders: Queanbeyan’s Raakin Rahman currently leads the run charts with 969 runs at 51.00, including four centuries. He is pursued by Ginninderra’s Nick Allen (935 runs). Mark Solway holds the best average in the league at a remarkable 78.55.
- Bowling Leaders: Kai Brunker (Queanbeyan) remains the premier wicket-taker with 48 scalps at 16.81. Fraser McGurk (39 wickets) and Nick Wood (35 wickets) follow him.
- Final Playoff Scenarios: Ginninderra (32 pts) and Queanbeyan (30 pts) have locked in a top-two finish. ANU (24 pts) is safe in third. However, the race for fourth is a total deadlock between North Canberra-Gungahlin (14 pts) and Tuggeranong Valley (14 pts), with Western District (12 pts) still alive.
The T20 Finals: Semi-Final Sunday (Feb 1)
Following the conclusion of the T20 regular season in mid-January, the stage was set for the shortest format’s finals day. Ginninderra and Queanbeyan topped the table with 6 wins each, separated only by Net Run Rate, while Tuggeranong Valley and Western District rounded out the top four.
On February 1, the semi-finals delivered high-octane action, officially setting the stage for the Grand Final.
Semi-Final 1: Queanbeyan’s All-Round Brilliance At Freebody Oval, Queanbeyan overpowered Western District to secure their place in the decider. Batting first, the Bluebags posted a competitive 7 for 164, fueled by a blistering 28 off just 10 balls from Dylan Hunter and a vital unbeaten 26 off 24 from captain Kai Brunker. Tyler van Luin (23 off 12) also set a fierce early tempo. In reply, Wests were suffocated by Queanbeyan’s spin attack. Brunker delivered an absolute masterclass with the ball, claiming 5 for 19 off his 3.5 overs to rip through the lineup, while Raakin Rahman backed him up with 3 for 11. Despite 31 from Oscar Lyons, Wests were bundled out for 116 all out in the 18th over, handing Queanbeyan a dominant 48-run victory.
Semi-Final 2: Ginninderra Cruises Past the Valley At Kippax No. 1, Ginninderra showcased their formidable batting depth to comfortably dispatch Tuggeranong Valley. Tuggeranong posted 7 for 142 from their 20 overs, heavily reliant on a rapid 48 off 33 balls from Tom Vane-Tempest, while Luke Powell (2 for 16) and Luke Ryan (2 for 25) kept things tight for the Tigers. The run chase proved to be a procession for Ginninderra. Zac Maron anchored the innings with a fluent 46 off 35 balls, before Brad Thomas (33 not out off 18), Ek Singh (31 not out off 33), and Nick Allen (30 off 26) combined to guide them home with 8 balls to spare, sealing an emphatic 8-wicket win.
The Grand Final Matchup & The Rain-Soaked Decider (Feb 8) These results set up a mouth-watering T20 Grand Final clash between the competition’s two undisputed heavyweights: Ginninderra vs Queanbeyan at Manuka Oval under lights.
However, the highly anticipated decider was ultimately marred by torrential weather. After Queanbeyan won the toss, rain delayed proceedings, reducing the match to a 16-over-per-side contest. Sent in to bat, Ginninderra struggled to build momentum against a relentless Queanbeyan attack. Dylan Faram (29 off 28) and captain Scott Murn (23 off 26) provided the only substantial resistance as the Tigers were bowled out for 89 all out in 15.3 overs. The Bluebags’ bowlers hunted as a pack, with Zac Harlow (2 for 5), Dylan Hunter (2 for 12), Esam Rahman (2 for 18), and Guy Gillespie (2 for 23) all starring.
Further rain during the innings break meant the match was reduced again, leaving Queanbeyan with a revised target of 51 from 8 overs. Esam Rahman came out swinging, blasting 14 off 6 balls, pushing Queanbeyan to 2 for 21 off just 3 overs before the skies opened up for a final, decisive time. With the ground unplayable, the umpires were forced to abandon the match.
The Result: By virtue of finishing higher on the T20 ladder at the end of the regular season, Queanbeyan was awarded the premiership. While it was a hollow end to a spectacular white-ball tournament, it added another piece of silverware to the Bluebags’ bursting trophy cabinet.
The John Gallop Cup Finals: Semi-Finals (Feb 15)
With the completion of the limited-overs rounds, the top four teams booked their tickets to the John Gallop Cup semi-finals on February 15.
Semi-Final 1: Tuggeranong Valley Upsets Norths At Keith Tournier Memorial Oval, Tuggeranong Valley pulled off a stunning 98-run upset over the top-ranked North Canberra-Gungahlin to book their place in the Grand Final.
Sent in to bat, Tuggeranong posted a highly competitive 238 all out. Captain Zac Worden played a phenomenal anchor role, scoring 92 off 137 balls (4 fours, 2 sixes), sharing a massive partnership with Kyle Klesse, who stroked 62 off 94 balls. Tyler Hays then added late fireworks with a rapid 30 off 22 balls. Gus Kent (3 for 9) and Kunwarbir Dhillon (2 for 30) were the pick of the bowlers for Norths.
In reply, the Norths’ run chase never truly gained momentum against a disciplined Valley attack. Despite a fighting 52 from Amit Sharma and 37 from captain Nick Wood, the rest of the lineup crumbled under pressure. Veteran spinner Shane Devoy was the chief destroyer, turning the match with a brilliant spell to claim 4 for 34, while Tyler Hays backed up his batting heroics with a superb opening spell of 2 for 17. Kyle Hyauiason (2 for 31) also contributed heavily. Norths were ultimately bowled out for 140 all out in the 38th over, ending their One-Day campaign and propelling Tuggeranong Valley into the decider.
Semi-Final 2: Ginninderra Edges Queanbeyan in a Thriller At Freebody Oval, Ginninderra secured a tense 3-wicket victory over their fierce rivals Queanbeyan to set up a blockbuster Grand Final against Tuggeranong Valley.
Sent into bat, Queanbeyan struggled to build substantial partnerships, ultimately being bowled out for 146 all out in 38 overs. Jack Stokes fought hard for his 31 off 52 balls, while Raakin Rahman provided a quickfire 26 off 16. The Tigers’ bowling attack was highly disciplined, with Luke Docherty (2 for 19), Luke Powell (2 for 21), and Jak Willcox (2 for 39) sharing the spoils.
In reply, Ginninderra found themselves in deep trouble early as Queanbeyan’s spin king Kai Brunker (3 for 34) tore through the top order, leaving the Tigers reeling at 4 for 37. However, captain Scott Murn (24) steadied the ship before Ethan Fitzpatrick played a match-winning, unbeaten knock of 45 off 63 balls. Supported by valuable late cameos from Ryan Emmerick (17) and Luke Ryan (15), Fitzpatrick guided Ginninderra past the target in the 41st over (7 for 149), completing a memorable chase.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025/26 season enters its final chapter, the stakes could not be higher for the territory’s elite cricketers.
The John Gallop Cup Grand Final takes centre stage on March 1, as the resurgent Tuggeranong Valley faces off against the powerhouse Ginninderra. For the Valley, it is a chance to prove their late-season surge was no fluke; for the Tigers, it is an opportunity to add more silverware to their Golden Jubilee celebrations.
In the Douglas Cup, all eyes turn to Round 21, the final fixture of the regular season. While Ginninderra, Queanbeyan, and ANU have secured their semi-final berths, the battle for the fourth and final playoff spot is a three-way shootout. North Canberra-Gungahlin and Tuggeranong Valley are locked in a points deadlock, while Western District remains a mathematical threat. Every run and wicket in the final round will be scrutinized as the Quotient calculations likely determine who continues their quest for red-ball glory.
On the representative stage, the ACT Comets return to red-ball action at Phillip Oval, hosting a powerful Victoria 2nd XI in the Toyota Second XI competition from March 2–5. Coming off a challenging tour of Tasmania, the Comets will be eager to find rhythm on home soil and provide a platform for emerging stars to push for higher honours.
Further representative action continues for the ACT Academy, who embark on a five-match series against the Tasmania Academy. The schedule includes a 50-over match on February 23, followed by two T20s on February 24, and concluding with two T20s on February 26.
Meanwhile, the ACT Meteors return home to Phillip Oval to host South Australia on February 22 and 24, before travelling west to the iconic WACA for a double-header against Western Australia on March 13 and 15. Having proved they can topple the best in the country, the young squad is eager to finish the season on a high and solidify their new identity under the looming shadow of generational change.
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