Cricket
31 October, 2025
St Mary’s, Brim KSH to reignite rivalry in HCA
Round three of the Horsham Cricket Association A grade competition takes place this Saturday, November 1, where Warracknabeal-based St Mary’s and Brim Kellalac Sheep Hills will reignite their local derby when the two sides clash at Anzac Park on Saturday.
The sides previously competed in the Wimmera Mallee Cricket Association, but both teams will be out for bragging rights as they go against each other for the first time in the HCA.
Nicholas Germano, co-captain of St Mary’s, said the rivalry tends to bring out the best in both teams.
“We are looking forward to playing them,” Germano said.
“We played a lot of cricket against them when we were in the other association, so there was always a bit of a rivalry there, and there still is.
“A lot of those blokes live in Warracknabeal or Brim, so we all know each other.
“It's a good rivalry to have, brings out the best out of everyone that plays.”
While St Mary’s has lost their opening two games, Germano admits there are encouraging signs as the side adapts to the competition.
“We went against the Bullants in round one knowing they would be one of the top sides, so it was good to get that one out of the way, and we started well last week.
“Last year, once we lost our top five, we were in trouble, but our tail has wagged both games.
“Sean Smith and Nick Toscano each made 30 in the first game.
“It’s good to know we don’t have to just rely on our top order with the batting.”
“Aiden Keys has started the season really well.
“He was in and out of both A and B grade sides last year, but he’s trained really hard and bowling really well.
“He bowled well on the weekend and reasonably well against the Bullants too.
“Co-skipper Daniel Westerland is one to look out for as well, he’s batting really well at the moment.”
Another hotly-contested matchup takes place between Donald Jeffcott and West Wimmera, as both teams are two from two to open the season.
The Warriors produced a comeback win over the Colts in round one before overcoming Lubeck Murtoa by 35 runs in round two.
Competition newcomers Donald Jeffcott have quickly announced themselves as one of the teams to beat, backing up their round one victory over Laharum with a commanding 154-run win against the Tigers in round two.
How Donald Jeffcott’s top order fares against West Wimmera’s bowling attack looms as a key area, as the new side has demonstrated in the first two rounds they have numerous players who can score runs at a quick rate.
In other round three matches, Laharum will host the in-form Swifts-Great Western.
The visitors have won both of their clashes, limiting both Brim KSH and St Mary’s to less than 140 with their impressive bowling attack.
While Swifts-Great Western are favoured based on early results, Laharum’s top order has shown form with the bat, and the Demons will be motivated to win their first game of the season on their home turf.
At Dudley Cornell Park, the Colts will be hoping for an improved batting performance when they host Lubeck Murtoa.
After an impressive display in a tight loss to West Wimmera, the Colts were bowled out for 64 by Brim KSH in round two, but they go against a Mudlarks side that also suffered a defeat to West Wimmera.
All-rounders Logan Millar (Colts) and Nathan Reddie (Lubeck Murtoa) loom as potential gamechangers, having impressed with both bat and bowl in the early stages of the season.
The Tigers will look to pull off an upset as they host the Noradjuha Toolondo Bullants.
The Bullants, last year’s grand finalists, have opened the 2025-26 season with two wins, with numerous players contributing with both bat and ball.
The Tigers have struggled with the ball in the early stage of the season, but if they can replicate their impressive batting performance from their round one defeat to Lubeck Murtoa, they will be well placed to challenge the Bullants.
Games this week commence from 1pm on Saturday, with St Mary’s hosting Brim KSH at Anzac Park, Donald Jeffcott playing West Wimmera at Donald Recreation Reserve, Laharum play Swifts-Great Western at Cameron Oval, the Colts host Lubeck Murtoa at Dudley Cornell Park, and the Tigers go against the Bullants at Dimboola Road Oval.