Despite the horrid weather on Saturday, and the subsequent cancellation of play, the Ringwood and District Cricket Association community took the opportunity to observe our collective gratitude, thoughts and remembrance for those who have served our country with the inaugural launch of Remembrance Day Round.
Remembrance Day Round was commemorated with a poignant ceremony recognising the sacrifices our service men and women have made, and continue to do so, to give our country the freedoms we have today, in particular the privilege of playing the game we love, cricket.
With the impromptu halt in cricket action, initiatives such as all cricketers wearing poppies and the awarding of a Remembrance Day Medal will be held off until next weekend’s play. So too will Mt Evelyn Cricket Club’s pregame ceremony, involving the players and officials of the club and members of the Mt Evelyn RSL.
This is a special moment for the Mt Evelyn Cricket Club and the Mt Evelyn RSL, who have led the way in our cricket community, honouring our service men and women, having run ceremonies over the past three seasons and grown a strong relationship between both organisations.
The week off gives us a chance to reflect on the first part of the season as the action-packed start to the season now settles to the cut and thrust of two-day cricket as teams jostle for prime positions in the top four heading into the Christmas break.
Community Bank – Mt Evelyn First XI
Ladder position: 8th/10
Leading Run Scorer: Daniel Giblin 154 runs
Leading Wicket Taker: Lachlan Morrow/Bohdie Jones four wickets
The First XI have had a few challenges adjusting to the consistent rigours of the Wilkins Cup competition. There is no let-up from game to game with the quality of opposition, and the depth of bowling and batting that each side presents has left the Mounters rueing key opportunities as they have only been able to post one victory thus far. The next month provides not only a stern challenge, but one that could thrust them into finals calculations should they post some key victories.
Professionals Outer East Second XI
Ladder position: 2nd/8
Leading Run Scorer: Luke Shepherd 123 runs
Leading Wicket Taker: Joseph Chamberlin/Luke Shepherd/Kynan Yates five wickets
The Second XI have made a strong start to the 2025/26 season, sitting second on the ladder with just one loss coming in the last round against Bayswater Park. Their form has been on the back of even contributions across the board with both bat and ball. The team will be wary of a drop in form as the chasing pack isn’t too far behind. A good run into Christmas will have them in pole position for finals action.
Rhead Group Third XI
Ladder position: 2nd/8
Leading Run Scorer: Cambell Finch 151 runs
Leading Wicket Taker: Graeme Foster/Daniel Meades/Alex Whiting seven wickets
After being completely outplayed by Heathwood in Round One, the Third XI have strung together three emphatic wins on the trot to look like one of the front-runners of the Ann Pascoe Shield. Cambell Finch has impressed with the bat, whilst the bowlers have shone, setting their team up well. The Third XI have been in similar positions in recent seasons, only to fall away when the whips get cracking. They will be well aware that nothing can be taken for granted and any slip in form will need to be addressed promptly.
Hop Hen Brewing Fourth XI
Ladder position: 5th/8
Leading Run Scorer: Jarrod Hartman 233 runs
Leading Wicket Taker: Robbie Wilson six wickets
The Fourth XI have had an unsettled line-up, and as such have produced a mixed bag of results. Two consecutive wins have put them within reach of the top four, and if they can continue the run, will be right in the mix come Christmas. Results have been highlighted by some impressive individual achievements, in particular the monster double ton produced by Jarrod Hartman in Round Three.
Lilydale Tyres Fifth XI
Ladder position: 5th/8
Leading Run Scorer: Andrew Frid 81 runs
Leading Wicket Taker: Craig Kenins five wickets
The Fifth XI have stepped up a grade and a division this season, and have been more than competitive in their outing thus far, bar the trouncing they copped last round against Boronia. The Fifth XI have built a consistent lineup over the past few seasons and this shows with their cohesion on the field. The developing youngsters in the team are where this team will find its growth and improvement, and if the young stars continue their rapid rise, then anything is possible for this team.
Flowtec Sixth XI
Ladder position: 7th/8
Leading Run Scorer: Chris Anderson 98 runs
Leading Wicket Taker: Ian Llewellyn/Chris Anderson three wickets
The Sixth XI have battled to field a team each week this season, and as such has struggled to put wins on the board. The highlight, as always, in this grade is the ‘firsts’ achieved by the juniors stepping up to the senior ranks for the first time. Noah Bell, Elisha Whitelaw and Liam Glover have all scored their first senior runs, whilst Bell has completed the double, taking his first wicket. Jacdan Mikaelian, Chase Missen and Mason Jones are also juniors who have impressed this season. Hopefully, with more numbers returning from injury and other commitments, the Sixth XI can turn their fortunes around.
