The 2025/26 season has been another strong chapter for the Old Wesley Cricket Club, one that delivered growth at the top level and a premiership to cap it off.
Our First XI continued their push in Division 1, consolidating their place among the competition’s top sides. While finals just slipped out of reach, the group proved they belong at this level, taking it up to some of the competition’s best each week. There were some standout performances along the way, with Wade Kind and Ryan O’Brien producing memorable centuries – Ryan helped himself to two, against quality opposition including Old Haileybury, PEGS and Old Scotch. Under the ever-reliable leadership of Rick Morris (OW2004), the foundations are well and truly set for another crack next season.
The headline act, however, belongs to the Second XI – Premiers! After starting the season strongly and finishing it the same way, the group carried momentum into finals and delivered when it mattered most. The semi-final against Old Camberwell will go down as one of the more dramatic days in club history.
With Old Camberwell needing 30 runs and OWCC just two wickets, a lengthy rain delay left everything hanging in the balance – and a draw would have ended our season. After nearly two hours off, play resumed and within three balls, Khush Shah had the final two wickets. Game over, into the Grand Final!
From there, it was a classic team effort. Gritty contributions with the bat from Ddhruv Goela (68), Jack Poulos (OW2020) (33) and Xavier Martine (33) set things up, before the bowlers got to work. James Dowland (OW2016) and Adrian Poynter (OW2010) both claimed three wickets in the decider, capping off outstanding seasons that also included five-wicket hauls for each. A big shout out to Dowland, who led the side superbly in a maiden premiership season, and we think there’s more silverware not too far away.
A special moment on the day was lifting the Rob Savedra Trophy, named after Wesley’s much loved groundsman, Rob Savedra (OW1985). One of the club’s longest serving members, the great man was there to witness the Second XI claim the silverware bearing his name, making the occasion even more meaningful for everyone involved. The victory also marks back-to-back premierships for the club, following the First XI’s Division 2 triumph last season, a great reflection of the depth and direction of the group.
Off the field, the club continues to bring together a great mix of OWs, mates, family and new faces for a good game of cricket and a better time afterwards. That balance of competitiveness and community remains the heartbeat of OWCC.
Looking ahead, we’re always keen to welcome new players into the fold. Whether you’re returning to the game or just keen to get involved, we’d love to have you down next season. Training runs on Wednesday evenings at Glen Waverley Campus and Thursday evenings at the St Kilda Road Campus. If you’re interested, get in touch with Rick Morris (OW2004) on 0438 081 886 and come down for a hit. Go Lions!
Ben Symon (OW2012)
