Cricket
24 October, 2025
Giants ready for cricket season
The Southern Mallee Giants will commence their cricket season on Saturday, October 25, playing away against Birchip in round one of the Wimmera Mallee Cricket Association.
With some clubs leaving the association, the competition will comprise six teams competing in one grade, with all games being 40-over one-day matches.
Jack Flavel, co-captain of the Giants, said that having one grade will strengthen the team, having finished at the bottom of the A grade ladder in the 2024-25 season.
“Obviously, we had the two sides last year, but going back to the six-team one-grade competition, our numbers should be pretty solid across the season,” Flavel said.
“We’re not diluting our talent across the two teams like last year, and I think that will make us more competitive.
“It would be great to make finals, as before going to two grades, we had some good success winning two premierships, so it would be good to be in contention again come finals time.”
Flavel is excited about numerous juniors stepping into the senior ranks, as well as newcomers arriving at the club, believing this will drive an improved 2025-26 season.
“I think we've got a lot of juniors coming through that get to that age where they're playing a lot more senior cricket, so that's really promising and I'm really looking forward to that,” Flavel said.
“We’ve also picked up a couple of guys that have moved to town as well, so we’ll be keen to see them have a good crack and help us put up more of a fight.
“It'll be really good to see a different outlook on the team with these juniors coming through and a few new guys.
“It throws some new blood into the mix, and it just freshens things up.”
Amongst the players Flavel thinks are primed for a good season is young co-captain Kybe Bellinger, who captained the club’s B grade side last season.
“Kybe Bellinger had a good year last as captain of B grade, and he’s someone who keeps improving year on year.
“Hopefully, he can continue with that this season.”
“Sri Kasaram is a newcomer who has moved from Adelaide.
“He’s really into his cricket, so I think he’ll be one to watch for sure.
“Half the battle is getting people to enjoy the game, and he just loves it.”
The Giants will play at Birchip Recreation Reserve on Saturday, with play commencing from 1pm.
