Kilsyth Cricket Club’s men’s and junior teams all played one-day matches in the last round before Christmas, resulting in six wins and three losses. One of the highlights was the Third XI chasing down a target of 252 in 33 overs with Matt Harper scoring 89* off 63 balls, and Anthony Cook 55 off 43 balls. New recruit, Kolitha Hapuarachchi, impressed with 60 off 61 balls for the First XI, while for the U16s, Rhys Kearney smashed 85* off 38 balls and Will Beard 53* off 25 balls. Second XI Captain Justin Smith produced the best bowling figures, taking 4/13 to give his team their first win for the season.
The First XI played against Wonga Park at Alan Smith Oval, Pink Reserve in the Wilkins Cup competition. These two teams met in Round Two when Kilsyth got the points. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bowl in overcast conditions. The first wicket fell on 27 in the sixth over when Jackson Colledge was well caught at deep mid-wicket by Jack Childs off the bowling of spinner Kolitha Hapuarachchi, for 15 off 20 balls (three fours). At the drinks break, the score had progressed to 1/105 off 20 overs with Jackson Ford 62* off 61 balls and Daniel Keane 27* off 39 balls. These two shared a second-wicket partnership of 92 before Keane was bowled in Andy Solomons’ first over after scoring 36 off 50 balls (one four).
With the score now 2/119 off 23 overs, the partnership had laid the foundation for Wonga Park to build a sizeable total. When the score reached 160 in the 32nd over, Jackson Ford was the third wicket to fall, caught behind by ’keeper Will Beard off the bowling of left arm spinner Mackenzie Scott-Thomas. Ford had batted superbly for 87 off 95 balls, including seven boundaries. When Benjamin Mathews was caught on the mid-wicket boundary by Kolitha Hapuarachchi off the bowling of Andy Solomons for 21 off 30 balls (one four), Wonga were 4/178 after 35 overs. Opening bowler Isuru Umesh was recalled into the attack to bowl the 39th over and picked up two wickets in consecutive balls, both bowled, to see Wonga Park 6/199 off 38.4 overs. Toby Ford was one of the batsmen out for 27 off 26 balls, including three fours. It could have been three wickets in the same over, but unfortunately, a dropped catch on the boundary off the last ball resulted in a six. In the end, Wonga Park finished on 6/222cc off their allotted 40 overs with Thomas Hancock 15* off 12 balls (one six), and Joshua White 16* off 6 balls (one four and one six). The wicket takers for Kilsyth were Isuru Umesh, 2/23 off five overs (one maiden), Andy Solomons 2/34 off eight overs, Kolitha Hapuarachchi 1/30 off six overs, and Mackenzie Scott-Thomas 1/39 off eight overs.
In the run chase, Kilsyth got off to a bad start and after five overs were 3/18. However, Kolitha Hapuarachchi and Pasan Ganegoda steadied the situation with a 63-run partnership for the fourth wicket before Ganegoda was caught in the 17th over by Toby Ford off the bowling of Tyler Parker for 22 off 38 balls (two fours). It was 5/103 in the 23rd over when new recruit, Kolitha Hapuarachchi, was dismissed for an impressive 60 off 61 balls (10 fours). “Koli” was Kilsyth’s standout batsman, combining a good defence with some hard-hitting stroke play. The sixth wicket fell on 118 and the seventh on 149 in the 32nd over when Isuru Umesh was caught by Toby Ford, bowled by Benjamin Mathews, for 15 off 21 balls (one six). Wickets continued to fall and the Redbacks were all out for 169 in 36.1 overs with Sagar Ahir contributing a solid 27 off 40 balls (one four). For Wonga Park, leg spinner Benjamin Mathews took 4/30 off six overs, Ben White 2/20 off four overs (one maiden), Tyler Parker 2/35 off eight overs, and spinner Dylan Mathews 1/16 off four overs (one maiden).
The Second XI also played Wonga Park in an away match at Templestowe Reserve, in the Meehan Shield competition. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bat. The Redbacks got off to a good start with an opening partnership of 81 in 16.3 overs between Sanjeev Rana and U16 player Rhys Kearney, who made 39 (four fours and one six). Rana was the next wicket to fall for 37 (four fours), and Kilsyth were now 2/88 off 18.3 overs. Then there was a series of wickets, 3/108, 4/128, and 5/129, when Tim Asbury was bowled in the 32nd over by Jake Guerin for a bright 35 (six fours and one six). Kyan Harper and Lahiru Radeepa then added 63 for the sixth wicket in quick time before Harper was run out for 28 (three fours). Randeepa remained 34 not out (three fours and one six) and Kilsyth compiled 6/196cc after 40 overs. For Wonga Park, Lachlan Reynolds took 2/20 off six overs (one maiden), Jake Guerin 2/36 off seven overs, and Cooper Kanally 1/29 off eight overs (one maiden). In reply, Wonga Park were bundled out for 103 in 30.5 overs. Jake Guerin was the best of the batsmen with 29 not out (four fours). For Kilsyth, Captain Justin Smith took the bowling honours with 4/13 off eight overs (one maiden), well supported by leg spinner Kyan Harper, 3/23 off five overs (one maiden), Kyle Galea 1/15 and Michael Sturt 1/16, both off four overs each.
The Third XI (fourth on the ladder) played St Andrews, who were in seventh place, at Roy Baldwin Oval, Pinks Reserve. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bowl. However, St Andrews made the most of the situation, and after being 1/46 and 2/71, a third wicket partnership of 142 between Captain Rohan Smith and Ryan Trowsdale saw the Saints 3/213 off 35.2 overs. At that point, Rohan Smith was well caught one-handed by Mark Sfiligoj at square leg off the bowling of Matt Harper for a brilliant 120 off 99 balls (14 fours and four sixes). The Saints went on to score an imposing 3/251cc off their 40 allotted overs. Ryan Trowsdale was 68* off 90 balls (eight fours), and Matt Sutherland 26* off 17 balls (two fours and two sixes). The single wicket takers for Kilsyth were Tait Harper 1/25, Matt Harper 1/40, and Mark Unternahrer 1/45.
After the tea break, Kilsyth set about the run chase in a positive manner. The first wicket put on 81 in 10.2 overs when Ben Nicoll was caught and bowled for 23 off 25 balls (five fours). It was 2/93 off 12.1 overs when fellow opener Anthony Cook was out for a quick fire 55 off 43 balls (11 fours and one six). When Steve Galea was out for 18 off 17 balls (two fours and one six), Kilsyth were 3/104 off 14.3 overs and on track with the required run rate. Then, Captain Robert Hutchings joined Matt Harper, and they kept the momentum going before Hutchings was caught behind for 22 off 18 balls (four fours), with the Redbacks now 4/155 in the 22nd over. When the fifth wicket fell on 194 after 25.1 overs, Kilsyth were within striking distance, with Matt Harper on 55*. He and Mark Sfiligoj then took the Redbacks to 5/254 and victory in 33 overs. Mark Sfiligoj was 15* off 23 balls (three fours) and Matt Harper, who played a magnificent match-winning innings, was 89* off 63 balls (11 fours and five sixes). For St Andrews, Dave Rechsteiner captured 3/44 and Ryan Catterall 2/69, both off eight overs each. It was a most entertaining match for spectators, with 506 runs being scored in 73 overs for the loss of eight wickets.
The Fourth XI played Mooroolbark at Kiloran Park. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bat. The Redbacks lost regular wickets and were all out for 124 in 24 overs. The top run getters were Jordan Relf, who scored 32 off 18 balls (four fours and two sixes), and Pieter Van Gent 29 off 28 balls (six fours). Mooroolbark’s multiple wicket takers were Kyle Larsen, 3/1 off one over, and Justin Barrand 3/32 off seven overs (two maidens). Mooroolbark chased down the target in 21 overs, finishing on 3/128. Kyden Neal was 51* off 43 balls (three fours and four sixes), and Lochlan Stewart 44* off 47 balls (six fours and one six), whilst opener Camdyn Jones chipped in with 23 off 24 balls (three fours and one six). Jordan Relf was the sole wicket taker for Kilsyth with 3/32 off seven overs (one maiden) to complete a good all-round game.
The Fifth XI do not resume playing until Saturday 10 January 2026.
On Saturday morning, the U16 team played a one-day match against Koonung Heights at Hislop Park, Centre Oval. The Heights won the toss and elected to bowl. After Rhys Kearmey 54* (7 fours and 1 six), and Will Beard 53* (6 fours and 3 sixes), both retired after facing 25 balls each, Kilsyth lost three wickets in the 11th over with the score on 147 in a dramatic change in the match. Viraaj Satyepriye was the destroyer taking 3 wickets in 4 balls! After the mini collapse, Tait Harper 34* (7 fours), and Max Wills 28* (4 fours), both retired after facing 25 balls each and Kilsyth went on to score 6/246cc from 24 overs. Rhys Kearney returned to the crease and finished on a scintillating 85* off 38 balls (11 fours and 3 sixes). Viraaj Satyepriye was the main wicket taker for Koonung Heights with 3/23 off 3 overs. Koonung replied with 7/139cc off 24 overs, giving the Redbacks a comfortable win. The standout batsman was Mitchell Crooks, who scored a scorching 77* off 32 balls (12 fours and 4 sixes). Kilsyth’s wicket takers were Rhys Kearney, who captured 2/1 off 2 overs (1 maiden), Luke Childs 2/6 off 2 overs, Joshua Bock 2/40 off 4 overs, and Will Beard 1/12 off 4 overs (2 maidens).
The Under 14s played a one-day match against Lilydale at Roy Baldwin Oval, Pinks Reserve. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bat, scoring 9/133cc off their allotted 25 overs. Ronak Mehra played an attacking innings of 38 retired not out off 25 balls (6 fours), whilst Noah Stirling 16 (3 fours), and U12 player Bailey Kennon 15 (2 fours), were next best with the willow. Lilydale’s Harrison Constance was the multiple wicket taker with 2/13 off 3 overs. Lilydale replied with 5/164cc off their 25 overs. Kasey Loftus top scored with 31* (retired) off 25 balls (5 fours), and Harrison Constance made 19 off 10 balls (3 fours). For Kilsyth, Aiden Nicoll captured 2/13, Angus Bright 1/5, Bailey Kennon 1/9, and Zack Mellerick 1/22, all off 2 overs each.
On Friday evening, the Under 12-3 team (second on ladder) played against East Ringwood (third) at Dorset Recreation Reserve (Oval 1 – East). Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bowl. East Ringwood lost early wickets to be 3/10 after 3.5 overs. It was 4/34 after a run out at the end of the seventh over, and soon 5/41 and then 6/42 after 9 overs. A seventh wicket partnership of 29 took the score to 7/71 after 14.3 overs when there was another run out. After Patrick Reitman picked up two wickets in 3 balls in the 18th over, East Ringwood had slumped to 9/89. However, a determined last wicket partnership between Jack Hasler, 13* off 20 balls (4 fours), and Rowan Mamgain 11* off 12 balls, lifted East Ringwood’s score to 9/122cc off 23 overs. Jordan Carratelli top scored with 18 retired not out off 20 balls (2 fours). For Kilsyth, Patrick Reitman took 2/6 off 2 overs (1 maiden), with single wickets to Dylan Ekanayake, 1/1 off 2 overs (1 maiden), Aiden Nicoll 1/2 off 3 overs (1 maiden), Isaac Donley 1/3 off 1 over, Angus Bright 1/7 off 2.1 overs, and Lorenzo Belousoff 1/19 off 2 overs. In reply, Kilsyth batted well to chase down the target on the fourth last ball of the innings when Patrick Reitman hit a two to achieve victory. Kilsyth finished on 4/124cc off 23 overs in a very close match. The main run scorers, who all retired after facing 20 balls each were Aiden Nicoll, 27* (6 fours), Tate Lindsay 16* (3 fours), and Bailey Kennon 14* (2 fours).
The second-placed Under 12-6 team played Mitcham (third) at Roy Baldwin Oval, Pinks Reserve in a one-day match. Kilsyth won the toss and elected to bowl. Mitcham scored 7/67cc off 23 overs with Alden Abraham top scoring with 16 retired not out (2 fours). Opening bowler Harrison Sfiligoj picked up 2/8 off 3 overs for Kilsyth. Single wicket takers were Isaac Semple, 1/14 off 3 overs, Cooper Clark 1/8, Keyan Goswami 1/4, Ashton Mehra 1/2 and Tex Wells 1/2, all off 2 overs each. Kilsyth responded with 1/81cc from the same number of overs to win the match. The best of the batsmen were Cooper Clark, 15* (1 four), Tex Wells 11* (2 fours), and Wesley Bowman 9* (2 fours), all retiring not out. Mitcham’s Leo Buchmasser took 1/8 off 3 overs (1 maiden).
In the Under 10s, Kilsyth played Montrose at Pinks Reserve in a T20 non-comp. match. Montrose won the toss and put Kilsyth into bat. The Redbacks made 7/127cc after 20 overs with 10 batsmen facing 12 balls each. The highest scorers were Callan Addison 25* (5 fours), Yuvin Rana 22 (4 fours), Axel Gotz 17 (3 fours), Marnus Van Gent 12 (1 four), Connor Robertson 12*, Caleb Semple 11 (1 four), and Ripudaman Singh Randhawa 10. In reply, Montrose scored 7/71cc. For the Redbacks, Seth Ekanayake took 2/4, Eli Sturt 2/6, Callan Addison 1/3, Connor Robertson 1/3, and Yuvin Rana 1/8, all off 2 overs each. Well done to the Kilsyth’s U10 Mini Bash team who have won 10 out of 10 matches so far this season.
Kilsyth’s ladder positions at the Christmas break are as follows:
Women’s First XI (B Grade): Third (eight teams)
Men’s First XI (Bill Wilkins Cup) – Premier 1 Section: Sixth (10 teams)
Second XI (Pat Meehan Shield) – Premier 1 Section: Eighth (eight teams)
Third XI (Don Smith Shield) – Premier 2 Section: Third (eight teams)
Fourth XI (Ann Pascoe Shield) – District 1 Section B Grade: Eighth (eight teams)
Fifth XI (John MacMillan Shield) – District 2 Section G Grade: Sixth (eight teams)
Under 16-3: First (six teams)
Under 14-5: Fifth (six teams)
Under 12-3: Second (six teams)
Under 12-6: Second (10 teams)
Under 10 Mini Bash (Non-Comp): Undefeated after 10 rounds
