In their first game of 2026, the senior-grade Lakers defended a solid total to claim victory over a determined Beechworth Wanderers side at Baarmutha Park, Beechworth.

Lakers captain Kyle Archibald won the toss and elected to bat on a superb wicket, complemented by a lightning-fast outfield.

The openers, Fraser Smart and Ben Welsh, got off to a flying start, with Smart dispatching the first ball of the game for six.

The pair compiled a 107-run opening partnership, including 18 fours and four sixes.

Smart finished with a brilliant 82 off 73 balls, while Welsh contributed a classy 49 from 38 deliveries.

After a brief middle-order wobble, with Archibald and Smart attempting to accelerate, Harry Wheeler made his first appearance of the season alongside debutant Darcy Hargreaves. The duo steadied the innings with a solid partnership leading into the final drinks break.

Wheeler continued his fine form, reaching a well-made 50 off 50 balls.

In the final overs, Andrew Dishot and Angus Heslin accelerated comfortably, taking the Lakers to a total of 243 from 45 overs.

After a delightful tea provided by Beechworth, the Wanderers’ openers capitalised on any loose deliveries, building a dominant opening partnership.

However, Archibald’s gutsy over-turned the momentum, and Welsh continued his excellent game with a crucial wicket to break the stand.

From there, wickets flowed as Dishot and Van Kreek bowled with precision, applying relentless pressure on the opposition batters.

Welsh finished with three wickets, with the remainder shared among the Lakers bowlers.

Overall, it was an impressive win on the road for the Lakers, who now look forward to two big games against the Wangaratta sides.

A Reserve’s dominant performance

Lakers A Reserve secured a convincing victory over the Benalla Bushrangers, completing a dominant all-round performance after chasing down 121 with plenty to spare.

The platform was laid by the Lakers’ bowlers, who kept Benalla under constant pressure and dismissed them for 121 in 35.2 overs.

Scoring was hard to come by as Yarrawonga-Mulwala hit good areas early and backed it up with sharp catching.

Oliver Connell was outstanding, finishing with 4/36 and repeatedly breaking partnerships just as Benalla looked to rebuild.

He was well supported by Xavier Mitchell (2/18), who set the tone with an economical opening spell, and by Aneeque Azam (1/22) and Tom Lovel (2/18) through the middle overs.

The moment of the innings came late when Ollie Cope delivered an absolute jaffa, jagging one back sharply to trap James Ladd lbw.

It was a textbook delivery and a fitting reward for a disciplined bowling effort that never allowed Benalla to gain momentum.

Chasing a modest total, Yarrawonga-Mulwala were in control from the outset. Zach Moore’s return to A Reserve cricket was a major highlight, with the right-hander producing a polished unbeaten 68 off 61 balls, striking ten boundaries and controlling the run chase with authority.

His innings removed any pressure from the contest and underlined his importance to the side.

Moore was well supported by Hudson Gillies (34), who provided a steady start at the top, before Ollie Cope (10* off 11 balls) finished things off to cap a strong all-round day.

The Lakers reached 124 in just 20.2 overs, losing only one wicket. A Reserve Lakers face Wangaratta Magpies at Norm Minns Oval next week.

B-Grade bombs out again in thriller

The Lakers B-Grade boys bombed out against the Milawa Demons at home in a last-over thriller.

What should have been a glorious day, the B-Grade Lakers’ first game of the year at Stan Hargraves Oval, started poorly with a couple of late changes.

‘Webby’ had to be promoted, as occasional B-Grader ‘Pizza Boy’ Hudson (initially promoted to A-Res) fell victim to a dodgy beef vindaloo, spending the night fighting with the Royal Doulton. Meanwhile, all-rounder Rob ‘Goneski’ disappeared again. Where are you, Rob? Has anyone seen Rob?

As a result, ‘Two First Names’ got the call-up from C-Grade, and Ben ‘Dog Bite’ Doyle was called in from the wilderness.

Captain Hawk lost the toss again, and the Lakers were sent in under humid and cloudy conditions.

To make matters worse, usual opener Blockhead turned up late from juniors at Benalla, complaining about their over rate being like that of Ben Stokes and the sordid English cricket team. Don’t blame the kids, Block, and a fine block.

The Lakers opened with a new pairing of Hillbilly and Dog Bite and were under pressure from the get-go.

On his return, Dog Bite unfortunately headed back to the sheds for a quack in the third over, bringing the ever-reliable Alc (Luke Buerckner) to the crease.

Alc and Hillbilly attempted to build a foundation before Hillbilly was sent packing with the score on 23.

Wickets then fell regularly, with Captain Hawk and 2IC Vaggstar going cheaply to leave the score at a paltry 4 for 42.

In strode Ben ‘Herschelle Gibbs’ Pickering, who, along with some exquisite stroke play from Alc, began to build a respectable partnership.

Just as things began to look positive, and just before drinks, Herschelle managed to sky one and was on his way back to the pavilion for 18, leaving the score at 5 for 72.

Another flurry of wickets followed, with Blocka, Two First Names and Jugghead all succumbing to what could best be described as slow full tosses and poor shots played across the line. Play straight, men.

The score moved to 8 for 96.

After a small cameo from Ash (11), Alc unfortunately ran out of partners and was left stranded on 49 at the end of the innings. Alc was not happy, and fair enough.

The Lakers could be described as attempting their own version of Bazball, with similar results to those sooky Poms, being bowled out for a dismal 120 with seven overs remaining.

At the change of innings, a fine spread of afternoon smoko was enjoyed, with the egg sangas the hit once again, followed closely by the walnut fruit bun.

With the ball, the Lakers got off to a flying start, Hillbilly picking up a wicket in his first over, must have been the egg sangas.

The Lakers continued to apply pressure, with Hillbilly, Herschelle and Two First Names bowling well in partnerships and taking regular wickets to have the Demons 6 for 61. Hillbilly finished with three, Herschelle two, and Two First Names one, reward for their hard work.

From there, it all fell apart. A solid partnership developed for the Demons, aided by three dropped catches, one notable soda from Ben ‘Herschelle Gibbs’ Pickering in the 34th over.

It came down to the final over: the Lakers needed three wickets or dot balls, while the Demons needed three runs to tie and four to win.

Vaggstar bowled the first ball, which bounced over the stumps missing them by a bee’s dick, beat keeper Jugghead and ran away for two byes. One to tie, two to win. The second ball hit the bat, and the Demons scampered through for the two required runs.

Milawa’s Rusty Ferg showed the Lakers how it’s done, knocking off a patient 50 not out and giving the Demons the chocolates.

No doubt ‘Herschelle’ will be fighting his own demons this week after watching the replay. A disappointing loss.

The Lakers, having lost their last three games and slipping from first to sixth, now head to Rutherglen next week in a must-win clash if they are to play finals.

C Grade

Lakers vs Greta – Away Day Shenanigans

The Lakers rolled into Greta feeling fresh, confident, and only mildly concerned about the size of the boundary. Greta won the toss and, in a moment, they’ll regret forever, decided to bat.

With Two First Names earning a call-up to B-Grade, it was Gus Browning (2/9) and T-Bone Taylor (2/16 off 5) who took the new Kooka. Both bowled proper team-first cricket, Taylor keeping it tighter than the Greta canteen budget, while Browning rolled back the years, swinging the ball sharper than a kookaburra diving off a powerline at a snake.

Enter Meat Eater Knight (2/10 off 4), steaming in and bowling such a sublime line and length that he nearly had a hat-trick. Cue dramatic pauses and nervous batters.

Old Man Dodd cranked it up to “express pace” (express being relative), while Skippa Parker lived up to his famous Rutherglen pie-sharing surname, delivering 18 of the best pies Greta has seen in a long time, hot, fresh, and absolutely terrible.

Taj Parker bowled beautifully with proper pace (1/2 off 4), while Jim “Tow Ball Head” Reeves bowled far better than his luck suggested. Byron “Bay” Dodd quietly snuck through four tidy overs (1/2), a name to remember once the willow came out.

Dec “Wild Thing” Reeves closed the innings nicely (1/4), and Greta were officially on the ropes.

Fielding highlights

• Charlie “European Vacation” Jamieson launched himself behind the stumps, went up one-handed with the left, and somehow caught it with the right. Everyone stood there confused, even bowler Taylor asked, “Is that out?”

• The rare double family special: Bowled Junior Parker, caught Senior Parker. Bowled Junior Dodd, caught Senior Dodd.

• Special mention to junior Browning Jack for a brilliant run-out.

Greta were dismissed for 86.

After a beautiful smoko (top-tier baking and strong coffee), Junior Dodd and Meat Eater Knight opened the batting. Knight, clearly more interested in chasing deer in the Greta hills, was bowled early.

Senior Dodd joined his son for a solid 23-run partnership before launching one skyward to square leg. Greta celebrated like they’d just won the flag, finally, the dangerous Dodd was gone.

Little did they know, Dhaminda was about to enter the crease. Unfortunately for him, Junior Dodd hogged the strike like it was the last pie at smoko, forcing Dhaminda into repeated 6-2s and 3-3s while Browning searched for the nearest defib.

Early drinks mercifully arrived, and Dhaminda returned refreshed, producing strokes rarely seen at senior C-Grade level. He made a classy 26, while Junior Dodd finished on a mature and unbeaten 38*.

Dhaminda was eventually given out lbw (still under review in his mind), bringing in Charlie “European Summer” Jamieson (3*), who helped guide the Lakers past the target for a comfortable win.

Final word:

A cracking day capped off by five sets of fathers and sons taking the field together — a rare sight and a fantastic reflection of the club.

Cricket was played, laughs were had, pies were delivered, and Greta lived to tell the tale.

The Lakers head to Gapsted next week to take on the Gorillas.

Under 16s

Report not submitted.

T20 vs Benalla Bushrangers at Stan Hargraves, Yarrawonga:

Yarra-Mul Lakers 8/94 – Darcy Hargreaves 22, Mitchell Smith 27, Tom Taylor 14.

Drew with Benalla Bushrangers 7/94 – Mitchell Smith 3/15, Jack Browning 2/5, Darcy Hargreaves 1/7, Billy Stevens 1/9.

Under 14 Rams

Rams 14/131 defeated Delatite 10/55

After the heat week off, T20 cricket resumed with an early start as the Rams headed to the magnificent Lords ground in Mansfield. The skippers won the toss and sent Delatite in to bat.

Opening bowlers Parker Cowan (1/13 off 4) and Kirsty Plevnik (0/6 off 2) bowled with nice pace and line, troubling the Delatite top order. Delatite showed great resilience against strong bowling.

Jacob Richardson (1/8 off 3) had a terrific game with bat and ball, snaring a vital wicket with captain Dodd taking a spectacular catch reminiscent of something you’d see on a footy field.

Delatite were dismissed for 55.

The Rams’ chase began with Billy Vagg and Byron Dodd blasting the ball to all parts.

Dodd retired quickly after making 31 off 18 balls, while Vagg continued before falling for a well-made 9.

Quick wickets followed: Mitchell caught for 7, McClarty out for 0, Wollington lbw for a rapid 9 off four balls, Lachlan Brown making 8, and Plevnik unlucky to be run out.

Jacob Richardson remained composed as wickets fell around him, showing impressive perseverance in his first season. Richardson and Cowan added 15 for the last wicket before Cowan fell for 5.

Dodd returned to the crease, joining Richardson for a final run feast. Richardson finished unbeaten on 13, while Dodd smashed eight fours and three sixes on his way to 64.

Another strong win for the improving Rams, who remain in the top four with five wins and one loss.

Next week, they face second-placed Greta in a two-day match to cement a finals spot.

Under 14 Bulls

The young Bulls were unlucky not to sneak away from Greta with a win after a strong all-round performance.

The Bulls bowled and fielded well, with Will Cruikshank outstanding with his spin, bamboozling batters and claiming three well-earned wickets. He was well supported as Greta were dismissed for 104.

The Bulls chased admirably but fell just short.

The highlight was Murphy Doyle, who opened the batting and carried his bat through the innings, finishing with 29 not out against a quality bowling line-up.

The Bulls finished 6 for 97 and left with heads held high — another big step forward in the team’s development.

Lakers Under 15 Girls swooped by Magpies

Batting first under overcast skies at Wareena Park, Wangaratta, the Lakers Girls produced a solid effort against a strong attack.

Matilda Thackray and Stella Hill opened, defending resolutely before Hill was undone by an absolute peach, leaving the Lakers 1 for 12.

Paige Bamford joined Thackray briefly before being dismissed for 2, while Thackray reached compulsory retirement.

Kirsty Plevnik then injected momentum with a cracking hook to the boundary, supported by Sienna O’Brien’s rock-solid defence. Plevnik was dismissed for 8, leaving the Lakers 3 for 28.

O’Brien and McKenzie Wolfe steadied things, taking the score to 3 for 40 before both retired undefeated. Sally Howell then played classical, intelligent cricket, frustrating the opposition and rotating the strike.

Bridie Burns and Sophie Harris added cautiously, with dismissals coming only via two scintillating catches.

The innings closed at 7 for 57, with Wolfe and Howell finishing undefeated.

With the ball, Hill (2-0-0-11) and Plevnik (3-0-0-8) were tidy without reward.

Wolfe and Howell tried to stem the flow, but the Magpies capitalised early.

Burns bowled with effort, while compulsory retirement allowed opportunities at new batters.

O’Brien and Bamford combined for a superb run out, the highlight of the day.

Bamford bowled the only maiden, conceding just two wides across her spell. Sophie Harris continued her rise with another wicket, while Thackray closed out the innings solidly.

Next Sunday, the girls host the Wanderers in the final round of the season and look forward to continued improvement.

Under 12 Rams

No report submitted.

T20 vs Benalla Bushrangers at Arundel Street Oval:

Benalla Bushrangers 5/80 – Ned O’Brien 2/11, Danny Ryan 1/7, Jack Moore 1/10, Farley Simmons 1/13.

Defeated Yarra-Mul Lakers 9/75 – Danny Ryan 17, Charlie Kennedy 7, Bobby Best 6, Paddy Doyle 6*.

Under 12 Bulls

Had the bye.

Tungamah Cricket

It was a busy and eventful weekend for the Tungamah B Grade side, with two matches played across consecutive days.

Saturday v Berrigan (Round 16)

After winning the toss, Berrigan elected to bowl first on a pitch that offered little assistance to the bowlers. Despite some tidy spells, wickets were hard to come by, and a handful of dropped catches and misfields proved costly as Berrigan posted 7/185.

In reply, Tungamah openers Travis and Josh set about establishing a solid platform. However, the innings was steadied by Tom Irvine, who arrived at the crease with the score at 3/31. Irvine showed great composure and resilience, anchoring the innings and building vital partnerships with Brady Hayes (31 runs) and Kieran Green (60 runs).

As the chase gathered momentum late, Irvine found his range, striking the ball confidently around the Berrigan Recreation Reserve. He brought up 95 with a towering six in the final over but was unfortunately stumped attempting another big shot, with Tungamah finishing on 168.

Man of the Match: Tom Irvine – 95 off 91 balls and 3/12 from 8 overs.

Sunday v Nathalia (Round 12 – rescheduled)

Once again losing the toss, Tungamah were sent into the field. The bowlers made an excellent start, with Travis striking twice early to leave Nathalia reeling at 2/11. Strong fielding and disciplined bowling kept the pressure on throughout the morning session.

Despite the Hoppers’ efforts in warm conditions, Nathalia were able to build their innings, with Travis again featuring prominently, claiming another wicket in the 38th over with a sharp catch taken by Jayden Arnold behind the stumps.

After a welcome afternoon tea break, Travis and Chris opened the batting for Tungamah, showing early promise. Unfortunately, the momentum didn’t continue, with the Hoppers bowled out for 77 in the 30th over.

Man of the Match: Travis Hayes – 21 off 27 balls and 4/18 from 7.4 overs.

Woolworths Blasters

The Tungamah Blasters were back in action this week, kicking off their first session of the season at home.

The young Hoppers showed great enthusiasm and energy, particularly in their fielding drills, with plenty of smiles and skill on display.

A big thank you to Dean, Brooke and Deanne for their assistance on the night. Their help ensures sessions run smoothly and allows the kids to get the most out of every week.

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Sunday, 26th September 2027

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