SDCA News

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

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

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

Atmos Renewables is back on board as the B Grade Naming Rights partner of the Seymour District Cricket Association for the 2026-27 season. Atmos Renewables is a leading Australian renewable energy company with ownership in over 1.9 GW of operating and in-construction wind, solar, and energy storage assets, and a number of development projects across Australia. This includes Cherry Tree Wind Farm, located approximately 15 km south-east of Seymour, Victoria, and consists of 16 × 3.6 MW turbines. SDCA President Mitch Itter thanked Atmos Renewables for their continued support of local cricket. “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Atmos Renewables back as our B Grade Sponsor for the upcoming season,” he said. “They are committed to establishing genuine partnerships with the communities in which they operate, including right here in our region. “Through the Cherry Tree Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund, Atmos Renewables is investing $25,000 in our community each year, for the first 25 years of the wind farm’s operations. “Not only is Atmos Renewables showing what’s possible in the renewable energy space with a broad asset base across the nation, they are bringing communities along with them for the journey.  “On behalf of the SDCA and all our member clubs, I’d like to thank Atmos Renewables for their generous support that will support the ongoing growth of our competition.”

The Seymour District Cricket Association has congratulated Tallarook star Lachlan Watts on his selection in the 2025-26 Victorian Country Cricket League Men’s Team of the Year. Watts was selected among the 12 best-performed country cricketers in Victoria following an outstanding season with Tallarook. The experienced all-rounder amassed 620 runs at an average of 88.57 while also taking 12 wickets at just 16.50, earning his place alongside the leading performers from across the state. The VCCL Team of the Year is selected from the statistically best-performed players across Victoria’s eight country regions, with regional teams selected before VCCL selectors determine the final state side. SDCA President Mitch Itter said Watts’ selection was a significant individual honour and a proud achievement for Tallarook and the wider Seymour District cricket community. “Lachlan’s performances last season were exceptional and to average almost 90 with the bat while also making a significant contribution with the ball speaks for itself,” Itter said. “To be selected among just 12 players from across country Victoria is a fantastic achievement and thoroughly deserved recognition for the season he produced. “Lachlan has been one of the outstanding players in our competition for a long period of time and continues to set an incredibly high standard. “He has also been a tremendous representative of the SDCA and someone who has shown great commitment to both Tallarook Cricket Club and cricket within our Association. “We are extremely proud to see an SDCA player recognised at this level and, on behalf of the Association, congratulate Lachlan on his selection.” Watts’ VCCL recognition follows another successful season at both club and representative level. He captained the SDCA in its return to senior representative cricket, leading the Association to victory and earning best-on-ground honours. His latest accolade adds to an outstanding career which already includes seven A Grade premierships, league medals and representative honours.  Watts was acknowledged as a member of the VCCL Men’s Team of the Year at the VCCL Annual General Meeting at Cricket Victoria’s CitiPower Centre, Junction Oval, on Sunday, August 9.

The Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) has officially launched preparations for the 2026–27 season following a productive Annual General Meeting that confirmed the Association’s executive team and endorsed a range of initiatives aimed at strengthening cricket across the district. Mitch Itter was re-elected as President and will continue in the dual role of Secretary, while Mark Nipperess was returned as Vice-President and Jacob Tarran was re-elected as Treasurer. SDCA President Mitch Itter said the meeting highlighted the strong collaboration between clubs as planning ramps up for the upcoming season. “It’s fantastic to have such strong support from our clubs as we head into another season. The AGM was a really positive meeting, with plenty of discussion and a clear focus on continuing to grow cricket across our region.” The AGM saw clubs endorse a number of key competition updates for the season ahead. Junior cricket is expected to return to traditional age groups, with Under 12, Under 14 and Under 16 competitions planned for 2026–27. Current nominations indicate nine Under 12 teams, five Under 14 teams and five Under 16 teams, while the possibility of introducing an Under 10 competition will continue to be explored. Clubs also confirmed the continuation of the All Girls Cricket League, with four teams already expressing interest, while discussions also commenced on establishing an SDCA Junior Cricket Academy. Senior cricket will begin on Saturday, 10 October, with the season opening in Twenty20 format. Additional standalone T20 fixtures have also been scheduled for 19 December and 9 January following the Christmas break. The Association also endorsed several governance and playing condition changes, including the introduction of a 35-degree heat rule for junior cricket, payment of umpires prior to the toss, the establishment of an Umpire Coordinator role and the adoption of an Overage Permit Policy. Mr Itter said the decisions made at the AGM reflected the Association’s commitment to providing opportunities for players of all ages. “We’ve made some important decisions around both our senior and junior competitions that will help provide greater certainty for clubs as they prepare for the season ahead. There are some exciting opportunities on the horizon, particularly around junior participation and player development.” “Seeing the All Girls Cricket League continue to build momentum and the discussion around establishing an SDCA Junior Cricket Academy is really encouraging. Creating more opportunities for young cricketers is something we’re committed to as an association.” Mr Itter also thanked clubs and volunteers for their ongoing contribution to cricket across the Seymour district. “I’d also like to thank all of our club delegates who attended the AGM and contributed to the discussions. The SDCA continues to be driven by its clubs, and the collaborative approach shown on Monday night will put us in a strong position for the 2026–27 season.”  “On behalf of the Association, I’d also like to thank everyone who has volunteered to serve on the executive this season as well as our club delegates. Cricket simply doesn’t happen without volunteers, and we’re looking forward to working with our clubs to deliver another successful summer of cricket.

The Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) has congratulated Tallarook Cricket Club stalwart Sam Watts on being named the recipient of the prestigious Bill Williams Service to Cricket Award, recognising nearly six decades of outstanding service to the game. The award honours volunteers who have made exceptional contributions to cricket at club, association and regional level, with Watts becoming the latest recipient of one of Northern Rivers Cricket's highest individual honours. From playing his first game for Tallarook as a 13-year-old to still taking the field at 71, Watts has dedicated much of his life to local cricket. Alongside an outstanding playing career that included eight A Grade premierships, he has served as club secretary, treasurer, committee member, captain, coach and long-time volunteer, while also holding executive roles within the SDCA and the Tallarook Recreation Reserve Committee. SDCA President Mitch Itter said Watts embodied everything that made community cricket special. "Sam is one of those people who has given far more to cricket than cricket could ever give back to him." "This award recognises not only an incredible playing career, but almost 60 years of selfless service behind the scenes. Whether it has been preparing grounds, balancing the books, serving on committees, mentoring players or simply doing the jobs that need doing, Sam has always been there." Mr Itter said the recognition extended well beyond Tallarook Cricket Club. "Every club in the Seymour District Cricket Association has benefited from Sam's contribution over the years. People like Sam are the backbone of country cricket and without volunteers of his calibre our game simply wouldn't exist." "He has never sought recognition for what he does, which is probably why this award is so fitting. It acknowledges decades of quiet leadership, hard work and an unwavering commitment to his club, the association and the broader cricket community." Mr Itter said the award was thoroughly deserved. "On behalf of everyone across the SDCA, I congratulate Sam on this outstanding achievement. It is wonderful to see one of our own recognised at a regional level, and there could not be a more deserving recipient of the Bill Williams Service to Cricket Award." Watts is a Life Member of both the Tallarook Cricket Club and the Seymour District Cricket Association and continues to volunteer extensively while still pulling on the whites each season.

The Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) has celebrated the achievements of its players at its 2025/26 Presentation Night, recognising outstanding performances across senior and junior competitions. The evening brought together players and clubs from across the competition to acknowledge individual excellence following a strong and competitive season. Awards were presented across batting, bowling and all-rounder categories, as well as major association medals, reflecting the depth of talent and high standard of cricket across the SDCA. SDCA President Mitch Itter said the night was an important opportunity to recognise the performances that defined the season. “The Presentation Night is a great opportunity to acknowledge the performances of players across all grades,” Itter said. “We’ve seen a really strong standard of cricket this season, and the award winners should be proud of their efforts and consistency.” “It’s particularly pleasing to see the performances coming through our junior ranks, which highlights the strength and future of cricket within the SDCA.” A highlight of the evening was the awarding of Life Membership to Jason Tarran, recognising both his outstanding playing career and long-standing service to the association. Tarran’s on-field achievements place him among the most accomplished players in SDCA history, having claimed the A Grade bowling average on nine occasions, the A Grade batting average once, and being named A Grade Champion Player. Off the field, Tarran has also made a significant contribution to the SDCA, serving as Treasurer for more than a decade. Itter said Tarran’s Life Membership was a fitting recognition of his impact on the competition. “Jason’s record speaks for itself — his achievements as a player are exceptional and place him among the very best to have played in the SDCA,” Itter said. “To win the A Grade bowling average nine times is remarkable, and to add a batting average and Champion Player award highlights just how complete a cricketer he has been.” “Beyond his playing career, Jason has given more than ten years of service as Treasurer, playing a key role in supporting the administration and stability of the association.” “Life Membership is the highest honour we can bestow, and Jason is an incredibly deserving recipient.” The SDCA congratulates all award winners on their achievements. 2025/26 SDCA Award Winners A Grade Batting Award: Cameron Armstrong (294 runs at 98) Bowling Award: Kalon Winnell (21 wickets at 6.52) All Rounder: Lachlan Watts (870 points) Frank Zanelli Medal: Lachlan Watts B Grade Batting Award: Jared Smith (354 runs at 70.8) Bowling Award: Jacob Nipperess (21 wickets at 7.14) All Rounder: Levi Ronalds (606 points) John Gadd Medal: Levi Ronalds Under 16s Batting Award: Hamish Melville (340 runs at 113.33) Bowling Award: Finn Melville (18 wickets at 10.83) All Rounder: Hamish Melville (575 points) Ken Hall Medal: Hamish Melville Under 13s Batting Award: Braxton Tucker (393 runs at 196.5) Bowling Award: Blake Winnell (10 wickets at 3.9) All Rounder: Braxton Tucker (653 points) Sam Watts Medal: Braxton Tucker Junior Country Week – Player of the Week Under 13s: Archie Armstrong, Brock Inness Under 15s: Tyler Caddie Under 17s: Thomas White Life Membership Jason Tarran SDCA Team of the Year Charles Davies – 571 runs @ 51.91 Josh Rudge (wk) – 348 runs @ 34.8 Lachlan Watts – 620 runs @ 88.57 Travis Stefanos – 371 runs @ 41.22 Cameron Evans – 335 runs @ 47.86 Cameron Armstrong – 294 runs @ 98 Lachlan Drummond – 257 runs @ 23.26 & 21 wickets @ 11.67 Will Ashton – 24 wickets @ 11.25 Kal Winnell (c) – 21 wickets @ 6.52 Matt Archibald – 21 wickets @ 10.48 Joshua Crane – 20 wickets @ 9.3

Seymour Club A Grade