Cricket ACT’s Premier Cricket competition returns this Saturday, October 11, with anticipation high following one of the most competitive seasons yet. And all the signs are pointing to an even more exciting summer ahead!
With reigning premiers set and ready to defend their titles and contenders eyeing redemption; the stage is ready for a thrilling campaign across all formats in the men’s and women’s competitions.
The 2024/25 season comes off the back of a strong showing across the Premier Cricket competitions, with Queanbeyan and ANU making their presence felt in various formats of the men’s competition.
“I’m really looking forward to the upcoming season,” said Phil Moore, Cricket Delivery Lead at Cricket ACT.
“There are a few exciting storylines to come. Queanbeyan are looking to go back-to-back-to-back in the Douglas Cup; ANU are building on a breakthrough John Gallop Cup win after more than 15 years; and Queanbeyan again took out the T20 title. But it’s also been back-to-back years of Queanbeyan and Tuggeranong in that final.” He added.
For Queanbeyan’s Kai Brunker, who played a key role in their Douglas Cup and T20 triumphs, success hasn’t led to complacency.
“We’ve lost a few players, picked up a couple, so it’s good,” Brunker said.
“I think losing players is hard, but it means they’re going on to bigger and better things. It’s an opportunity for others to step up,”
“Anytime you’ve got different teams making finals, it means the competitions in a really strong, healthy place. I think a few teams have recruited well and could go deep this season.” He continued.
ANU’s Dave Dubey is confident that his side can build on their historic John Gallop Cup win last year.
“It was our first win in 28 years, so great to get that under the belt. The comp’s getting stronger, more balanced, and I think everyone is developing as players. What Cricket ACT is doing to keep the competition strong and even has been really good.” Dubey told Cricket ACT.
And it’s not just the titles that matter. Strong Premier Cricket performances are also opening doors.
“Zak Keogh scoring 1100+ runs and moving to South Australia’s academy system shows that performances here are really valued.” Moore added.
The women’s competition continues to grow in depth and professionalism, with reigning premiers of the Lynne O’Meara Cup Western Districts Cricket Club setting the standard alongside Eastlake Cricket Club who were grand finalists in the Glenda Hall T20 Cup.
Wests captain Madeline Hollis is embracing the pressure of being defending champions.
“Winning the one-day cup definitely boosts our confidence,” Hollis said.
“We’ve got a young side again this year which is exciting. We were a tight-knit group last year, and we’re building towards that again. It’s all about helping each other through the highs and lows,”
“I’ve had a few chats with the other captains — it seems like we’re going to have a really strong comp this year. And with more girls getting through to the Meteors system, it gives the younger players something real to work towards.” Hollis added.
Eastlake’s Vanessa Picker echoed those thoughts.
“We’re trying to build long-term strength,” she said.
“There’s some natural shifts in personnel, but we’re largely the same side and in a strong position. It’s great to see juniors moving up through the Meteors ranks — it shows there’s a pathway in ACT cricket.”
The Greg Chappell Cricket Centre T20 Grand Final last season, which Eastlake featured in, created special memories despite weather cutting it short. “The atmosphere at Manuka Oval was incredible,” said Picker. “We’re hoping to make it back and go one better.”
Phil Moore says Cricket ACT is continuing to invest in the women’s game to build that bridge to elite level cricket.
“We are working hard to bridge the gap between the grade competition and the Meteors,” he said. “It’s important to make sure those opportunities are real and that players know there’s a pathway.” He commented.
With rising talent, strong clubs, and a clear pathway into elite cricket, the 2025/26 Premier Cricket season is shaping up to be one of the best yet.
“Having different teams in different finals shows the competition is in a really healthy spot,” Moore said.
“We’re expecting another fiercely competitive season across the board.”
Whether it’s building dynasties, chasing first titles, or laying the foundation for future stars, Premier Cricket returns this Saturday — and the race is officially on.