A disappointing Melbourne Country Week campaign has seen the Bairnsdale Cricket Association relegated to division two for the 2027 carnival, while Sale-Maffra Cricket Association’s promising start ended with a semi-final exit.
Bairnsdale and Sale-Maffra met on day one at Princes Park, Carlton, with Sale-Maffra beginning strongly and Bairnsdale hampered by player unavailability. Despite the absences, Bairnsdale fielded several of the competition’s elite players under captain Ryan Halford.
Sale-Maffra made an early statement, bowled out in the 49th over for 365. Brad Scott struck 78 from 61 balls, but it was Taylor Tatterson who stole the show with 94 from 72 deliveries, including eight sixes. He took 27 runs from one Halford over, hitting four consecutive maximums before Halford claimed his wicket in the following over. Brodie Anderson was Bairnsdale’s best with the ball, finishing with 3/63.
Bairnsdale’s reply faltered, dismissed in the 32nd over for 135. Ben John top-scored with 46, while Dylan Bolton claimed 3/16.
On day two, Bairnsdale again struggled, bowled out for 115 in the 33rd over against Mornington Peninsula at Preston Oval. Halford made 38, but Mornington chased the target comfortably in the 25th over, losing three wickets, with Anderson taking 2/28.
Sale-Maffra continued its strong form with the bat against Casey Cardinia at Ivanhoe Park, posting 268 in the final over. Jason Langshaw led with 63, supported by Tom Morrison (41), Taylor Tatterson (40) and Jack Tatterson (30). Casey Cardinia was competitive but fell short, all out for 200 in the 47th over, with Bolton taking 4/48.
Bairnsdale produced its best performance on day three, compiling 7/261 against Casey Cardinia at Sydney Pargeter Reserve. Rico Fourie made an impressive 84 at number three, supported by Halford (52) and Meerlieu all-rounder Connor Mitchell (50). Casey Cardinia successfully chased the total, finishing with five wickets down with 31 balls to spare.
Sale-Maffra then suffered a setback against Mornington at Victoria Park, Kew. Mornington posted 9/268 before dismissing Sale-Maffra for 202, with Bryce Jose (64) and Brad Scott (44) leading the scoring.
In Thursday’s semi-final at Shepley Oval, Dandenong, Sale-Maffra bowled Geelong out for 301 in the 44th over, Anthony Scott taking 4/40. However, the chase never gained momentum and Sale-Maffra was dismissed for 169 in 32 overs. Brad Scott (37), Anthony Scott (30) and Jason Langshaw (27) made solid contributions, but Geelong advanced to claim the title.
Bairnsdale’s final match came against Bendigo District Cricket Association at Gunn Reserve, Ormond. Batting first, Bairnsdale was dismissed for 113 in 26 overs. Nathan Schoultz top-scored with 41, while Ben John made 23 in his first Country Week campaign. Bendigo secured victory in the 15th over, losing just one wicket.
