Oiled up and ready: Goulburn Murray Cricket returns

Nov 10, 2021

Getting his eye in: Echuca’s Matt Hinks flicks one away during a recent practice match. Photo: Steve Huntley Photo by Steve Huntley.

Goulburn Murray Cricket adherents crying out for the first ball to be bowled will finally be appeased this weekend.

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Forming the narrative for round one is a salivating grand final rematch, as Kyabram Fire Brigade looks to begin its title defence in fine fashion when Echuca rolls into town.

A throng of weapons from last season have departed the Flames – namely Tyler Jones, Jess Barker, Bailey Goodwin and Ryan Thompson – but seeking to stamp their authority are former Tongala man Tristan Watson and returning run machine Daniel Kent.

Always a force, Echuca is surely seeking redemption after what can only be described as a humbling in the March decider.

The club’s junior contingent has already sent out a statement by taking out the GMC under-16 T20 Tournament; now is the time for its seniors to follow suit – but they will have to do so without ace batters Ben Fulford and Tim Wood.

Bowling wheels: Echuca South’s Clayton Watson lets one rip. Photo: Steve Huntley Photo by steve Huntley.

Two sides looking to atone for last season are Cooma and Echuca South, which meet on the latter’s back paddock.

Both finished in the competition’s depths in 2020-21, and both will be gunning to start with a bang come Saturday.

Further east, newcomers Nondies Cohuna and Leitchville-Gunbower begin inaugural GMC charges when facing each other in round one.

Nondies Cohuna president Kyeran Ellery spoke to the Riverine Herald last month, voicing his keenness to break out of the Northern Districts Cricket Association and make a splash.

“It got a little bit mundane playing against the same five sides over the past five seasons in the NDCA,” Ellery said.

“We’re looking forward to playing against sides with a bit more depth and really exposing our young kids to a really good standard of cricket.

“We’ve also got a nice blend of guys between 28 and 32 who are in the prime of their careers.”

As for Leitchville-Gunbower, youth appears to be forming the squad’s core.

Skipper Tyler Jones also spoke with the Riverine Herald and made a point of mentioning the depth of home-grown youngsters that will take to the park for L-G.

“We’ve got a good base of kids,” Jones said.

“The good thing about us is we’re all locally grown. We won’t have any paid players or anything like that.

“We’ve got a young group who are all keen and looking forward to the challenge — a lot of us have had the taste of Goulburn Murray Cricket, so we know what we’re in for.”

Lastly, the ever-threatening Rochester kick-starts its campaign with a trip to Bamawm Lockington United, while Moama assumes the bye.

On the women’s A-grade front, Shepparton United starts the season in Campaspe Shire and will be out to get the early advantage over Leitchville-Gunbower.

And in Bamawm, an inundation of players has BLU sitting pretty ahead of its clash with Beechworth Wanderers.

“We’ve had overwhelming support for our women’s team with players wanting to play,” club president Matt Hamilton said.

“It’s another aspect to the club that brings more people into our community who enjoy each other’s company.

“We’re looking forward to improving the players’ skills while enjoying the game of cricket.’’

Reigning premier Echuca has a week off with the bye.