Sport
7 March, 2026
Top orders key to semi-final fortunes
BRIDGEWATER provides the intrigue in next Saturday’s senior semi-finals of the Upper Loddon Cricket Association.
The Bulls only snuck into the four after a win over Arnold on Saturday, having spent much of the season outside of the finals’ spots, and will meet Kingower.
If the top-order batting clicks, they are a force to be reckoned with.
Captain Toby Naughton made a century against Arnold, Tom McKinley is in excellent form, and Harry McKinley is either feast or famine – he made a century in a one-off appearance before Christmas, and two ducks in his last two games.
With Nic Naughton also in the first four, it is a lineup that could produce anything, with Josh Martyn, Andrew Duguid and Andrew Collins also capable of big scores.
Kingower, however, has made a great fist of defending its 2024-25 title.
Things looked a little sticky early on as the team adjusted to the loss of the competition’s top player, Jayden Leach.
But the Gower has responded with seven wins on the trot, including two victories over the Bulls.
That followed only two wins in the first seven weeks of the season.
Kingower has strength in both batting and bowling, with Matt Rowe and Kyle Simpson dominating all-round returns.
There is great experience in players such as Ben and David Rose, as well as veteran Mark Lamprell, who has picked up nine wickets at an average of 11.89 after returning mid-season.
At home, Kingower will be very tough to beat.
The other semi-final sees Boort Yando host Wedderburn Band.
The Magpies were on top for much of the season but enter the finals without a lot of recent success.
Their match at Wedderburn was abandoned due to the state of the ground last Saturday, and they have won only twice since their bye in round nine, way back in November.
Boort Yando’s losses include a heavy defeat to Arnold, who finished last on the ladder.
Their two victories, however, include a big win over Wedderburn.
The Magpies have a strong batting lineup including captain James Byrne, Josh Smith and star youngster Cooper Gooding.
Gooding and the Under 17 player of the year, Jake O’Flaherty, add youthful exuberance and talent to the lineup after being part of an unbeaten junior season.
Opening bowler Jack Weaver is the quickest in the competition and while not grabbing a bag, he has taken 14 wickets at an average below 12 for the season.
Experience in former captain Brian Minogue, Daniel Lehman and Jarrod and Matt Hodoras help to round out a strong team.
And if experience counts in finals, Wedderburn has it in spades.
Opening bowler Adam Postle, and spinners Danny Benaim and Steve Giorlando know how to battle through adversity.
Despite a dodgy hip that has kept him from football training, Postle bowled a marathon 20 overs in the heat, taking 3-45 against Bridgewater two weeks ago.
Add the explosive batting of Andrew Brett and Will Holt, and the Band are an unpredictable outfit.
- GARY WALSH