SDCA News

Seymour Club A Grade

Seymour Club A Grade

Senior representative cricket is back on the Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) calendar for the first time in six years, with the region’s top players set to take on the Emu Valley Cricket Association at Chittick Park in Seymour on Sunday 8 February. The fixture forms part of a trial being undertaken by Northern Rivers Cricket, with all member associations playing senior representative matches throughout the 2025–26 season. The initiative is designed to strengthen regional competition, with the potential for expansion in future seasons. While the SDCA has consistently fielded junior representative teams in Country Week competitions, the return of a senior side marks a welcome boost for local players eager to compete at a higher level. SDCA President Mitch Itter said there was strong enthusiasm across the association for the return of senior representative cricket. “There’s been a real buzz from clubs and players about the opportunity to represent the SDCA again,” he said. “We’ve got so much talent across our competition, and players are eager to challenge themselves and show what they can do. "We’re confident of putting a strong side on the park in February, knowing Emu Valley will be doing the same. "This is a really positive step from Northern Rivers and works far better for our players than the traditional Melbourne Country Week format. "We’re looking forward to seeing how this concept develops and can’t wait for February 8.” The SDCA is also seeking expressions of interest for a Coach, Team Manager and Scorer for the representative fixture. Those interested are encouraged to contact Mitch Itter via email at pres.sdca@gmail.com .

Atmos Renewables has been announced as the B Grade Naming Rights partner of the Seymour District Cricket Association for the 2025-26 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 support of local cricket. “We’re absolutely delighted to have the backing of Atmos Renewables 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 Club SDCA cricket season is set to kick off on Saturday 11 October with seven sides vying for the premiership in the A Grade competition. Avenel joins the A Grade ranks following a dominant, title-winning season in the B Grade in 2024-25, with five T20 matches included in the 18 round fixture. With the season upon us, check out how all seven sides are shaping up ahead of Round 1. The question on everyone’s lips is whether the Tallarook juggernaut can be stopped as it seeks to win four consecutive premierships for the first time in its history, with both Yea and Seymour launching serious challenges over the past 12 months. Tallarook 2024-25 Position: Premiers The powerhouse of the competition once again flexed its muscle in the 2024-25 season, just clinching top spot following the end of the Home and Away season before a dominant finals campaign that culminated in a convincing win over Yea in the Grand Final. However, it was far from one way traffic for Tallarook, who dropped four games throughout the regular season. While Andrew Dundon continues as Coach, Lachlan Watts has stood down as A Grade Captain, to be replaced by eight time premiership player Kal Winnell. Tallarook’s batting depth will remain a strength in 2025-26, with Josh Rudge leading all comers last season with 688 runs and Lachlan Watts (388 runs), Mitch Itter (384 runs) and Leigh Irving (281 runs), all finishing in the Top 10 runscorers last season. With the ball Watts, Blake Munari O’Dwyer, Sam Manchester and Kal Winnell all collected over 15 scalps and the bowling stocks will be boosted by the addition of Xavier Arandt who returns to Tallarook following a year at Nagambie. Once again, will be tough to beat but have a couple of clubs breathing down their neck and eager to knock them off their perch. Yea Tigers 2024-25 Position: Grand Finalists After finishing third in 2024-25 Yea took care of Seymour in a very close Semi-Final before going down to Tallarook in the Grand Final. They once again loom as a top challenger for the premiership, with plenty of experience in their line-up, supported by strong junior talent. Club legend Cam Armstrong has taken on the A Grade coaching responsibilities and will be looking to play a big part on field to drive Yea into the Grand Final once again. Marc Steiner put in some big performances toward the back end of the season and with both Steiner and Armstrong firing, Yea will be as tough a match up as they come. They will again be skippered by Andrew Butterworth who put together a solid season with the bat but shone with the ball, finishing with 27 wickets at 8.48. He formed a potent spin combination with up and coming leg spinner Edison Waghorn who snagged 22 wickets of his own as a bottom age Under 16 player. Waghorn looks set for a big career and Armstrong is also bullish about Thomas White’s prospects, another junior last season who took 18 wickets in the A Grade competition. Former junior Jack Christie returns to Tigerland this season and will add some class to both the batting and bowling line ups. The Tigers know what it takes to have an impact in finals cricket and will be a team to watch again in 2025-26. Seymour 2024-25 Position: Semi-Finalist The Maroons topped the ladder for a fair period of last season, before ultimately finishing second and being defeated by Yea in a high scoring Semi-Final. Retaining most of their list from last season, Seymour will be led by Braidon Horkings who was a potent force with the ball, well supported by Daniel Bergowicz, Hugh Smith, Lachlan Drummond and Brodey Pointon. With the bat, it was Drummond who stood above the rest, finishing the regular season with the second most runs in the competition. Veteran Jason Brown wound back the clock once again, notching over 300 runs in a fantastic season. Seymour prides itself on fielding a side each week with great depth across all departments. They managed to beat eventual Premiers twice during the season and have quality performers throughout their squad. They’ll be looking for a couple of players to step their games up a notch to challenge for the premiership but once again they are as good a chance as any at finishing the year with the top prize. Pyalong 2024-25 Position: Semi-Finalist Last season was a historic one for Pyalong, playing finals for the first time since joining the A Grade competition. Despite going down to Tallarook in the Semi-Final there are plenty of positives to take away from last season. James Hadjiloukas had an immediate impact with the bat in his first season in the SDCA, making over 250 runs for the season. Having shown his quality, he will lead the club as Coach for the 2025-26 campaign. Daniel Sowden also stood out through the middle order, making over 300 runs at an average of just under 45, allowing Pyalong to put defendable scores on the board most weeks. With the ball it was more of a challenge with Matthew Pratt and Mitch Wittig the only two players to finish in the top 20 wicket tackers in the competition. While they may not head into the season as premiership favourites, on their day Pyalong looks to be a threat for any team in the competition. Alexandra 2024-25 Position: Fifth Despite a slow start to the season, Alexandra was able to record some big wins, including a stirring victory over Tallarook, who they bundled out for just 85 on the eve of finals. With plenty of young talent, Alexandra will be a tough read ahead of the 2025-26 season. Young gun Matthew Wal finished tenth in the competition for runs, with a high score of 92, and James Meggitt just ticked over 200 runs at a more than handy average. It is with the ball that Alexandra will be looking to add some firepower and consistency. James Geldart led the attack well when on the park and if they’re able to put their best side on the field week in, week out, they’ll certainly be challenging for a top 4 finish. The future looks bright at Leckie Park with the Alexandra faithful hoping to see another great year of development for the Redbacks. Puckapunyal 2024-25 Position: Sixth There will once again be beauty in Puckapunyal’s unpredictability this season, with strong numbers on the training track ahead of Round 1. Sam Pullen lit up the B Grade competition in 2023-24, including a blistering 105 at Seymour early in the 2024-25 season. Following his departure, Puckapunyal fell away but certainly did not disgrace themselves in their first season in the top flight. With both A and B Grade sides fielded this season, Puckapunyal has shown great growth and could have some emerging talents in their ranks, dependent on the ongoing rotations through the Army Base. For stability, they’ll be looking at Jacob Nipperess, who was their best performer with the ball and is capable of troubling the opposition’s top order, and Joel Baker, a reliable performer with the bat and behind the sticks. It will very much be a matter of wait and see with Puckapunyal, but they could certainly cause some upsets. Avenel 2024-25 Position: B Grade Premiers  After a dominant B Grade season, Avenel is once again making the step up into the A Grade competition to test themselves against the best. Across 2024-25, Avenel only dropped a single game and capped off a mighty year with the Premiership. They head into the top tier with Travis Stefanos locked in as Captain/Coach, fresh off the back of 405 runs at an average of close to 60. Not far behind him was Gus Leunig who racked up 367 runs at a touch over 40. With the ball, Avenel was also dominant, as Jamie Kanters led all B Grade players with 30 wickets, Christian Papi in second with 25 and Oliver Valladares with 20, in fourth. Avenel’s last foray in the A Grade competition in 2023-24 only netted two wins and a bottom of the ladder finish but they look to be a much more polished outfit with some talented youngsters in their ranks. Look out for Avenel as a surprise packet with the potential to build something special in the years ahead.

Goulburn Murray Credit Union (GMCU) has joined forces with the Seymour Club SDCA, becoming the naming rights partner of the Under 16s competition for the 2025–26 season. GMCU offers a rewarding range of everyday banking services, from savings and loans to expert support. Importantly, 100% of its profits are reinvested back into products and services for members, as well as community initiatives that help make our region stronger and more prosperous. GMCU exists to improve the communities in which we live and work, investing its profits to help them grow, thrive, and succeed. The GMCU Under 16s competition will showcase the best junior cricketers from across the region, with the season kicking off on Sunday, 26 October. SDCA President Mitch Itter thanked the GMCU for its support. “We’re absolutely thrilled to be partnering with another outstanding, community-focused organisation like the GMCU,” Mr Itter said. “Their values align perfectly with those of our association and our member clubs, which are all built on being community first. “With GMCU’s support, we’re looking forward to a fantastic season of junior cricket and, hopefully, the opportunity to attract even more young cricketers to our league. "On behalf of the SDCA, I’d like to thank everyone at the GMCU for the work they do in our communities and for backing our competition.” This season, the SDCA Under 16s competition has been boosted with six teams entered. “Our Under 16s competition has shown strong growth over the past few seasons, and we’re excited to have six teams included for the first time in many years,” Mr Itter said. “Across the board we’re seeing real momentum in junior registrations, thanks to the hard work of our member clubs in building a sustainable competition. "We’re committed to providing young cricketers with a high-quality competition and representative opportunities throughout the season ahead.”

For the first time in its history, the Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) has secured an official naming rights partner, with the Seymour Club proudly supporting cricket across the region. The new partnership will see the competition referred to as the Seymour Club SDCA, with naming rights also extending to the A Grade competition. It’s another example of the Seymour Club investing in local sport and the wider community. The announcement comes as the SDCA enters a period of growth, with the A Grade competition adding another team in 2025–26, B Grade expanding by two sides, and a boost in junior teams expected this season. SDCA President Mitch Itter said the partnership was a timely show of support. “We’re incredibly excited to be partnering with the Seymour Club,” Mr Itter said. “This is a milestone moment for our association. Having naming rights sponsorship for the first time reflects the strength of local cricket and the belief the Seymour Club has in what we’re building. “All our member clubs are pulling in the same direction and eager to see cricket flourish, something that will be made much easier with the Club’s support. “The Seymour Club invests heavily back into the community, and to have them backing us gives the competition extra confidence as we continue to grow. “On behalf of all SDCA clubs I’d like to thank the Seymour Club Board and Management and look forward to building a long and successful partnership.” Seymour Club President Sandra O’Sullivan said the club was delighted to be backing cricket. “The Seymour Club has a proud tradition of supporting local sport, and partnering with the SDCA is a great extension of that commitment,” Ms O’Sullivan said. “Cricket brings together people of all ages and abilities, and we want to see it continue to grow in our community. “Our support is about backing cricket across the SDCA, promoting the competition, hopefully seeing senior representative cricket return and ensuring local players have a strong competition to enjoy.  “We’re very proud to stand alongside the SDCA and can’t wait to see a fantastic summer of cricket unfold.”

As the cricket season approaches, the Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) is on the lookout for new umpires to join its ranks, offering some of the highest rates in regional cricket. Umpires of all experience levels will be welcomed with open arms into a supportive association, with minimal travel requirements. In a massive boost for prospective umpires, remuneration has been increased to $200 per match day, a great way to earn money while enjoying top-quality cricket up close. SDCA President Mitch Itter is encouraging interested individuals to get in touch. “Whether you’ve retired from the game, are looking to stay active, or just love cricket, umpiring is a great way to stay involved,” Mr Itter said. “Umpires are so important to cricket, and that’s why we’re pleased to have raised the bar yet again in terms of remuneration. “Earning $200 for an afternoon while enjoying the cricket up close is a great way to put some extra cash in your pocket and feel part of the action. “The SDCA will support umpires of all skill levels to find their feet and grow into high-quality officials. “No matter your background or experience, we’d love to hear from interested individuals and make this season a great one, for players, umpires, and spectators alike.” For a confidential discussion or to express interest in umpiring in the SDCA, contact President Mitch Itter on 0431 542 660 or email pres.sdca@gmail.com .