BPCA premiers hit the ground running in 2024-25

FRESH from winning the Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association (BPCA) A1 premiership, Barwon Heads is picking up where it left off with two wins from two matches to start the 2024-25 season.

Barwon Heads captain and coach Dan Donaldson said the lessons learnt from last season’s premiership season would again guide the first XI as the Seagulls eye a Round 4 outing at home against Barrabool, following wins against Queenscliff and Ocean Grove.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Barrabool, I think they have good depth and obviously knocked us off in the one-dayer last year at home and we beat them in a close one in the two-dayer and they were a bit unlucky to not go further last season.

“They’re a strong side, they’re well drilled, they’re not a side that relies on one or two players, they have several players that can get the job done.

“We’ll be treating them with the utmost respect this weekend and we’re expecting a close contest and we’ll hopefully do well in all three aspects of our game.”

Donaldson said the side had changed slightly compared to last season, particularly with Sam Schaller reducing his commitment to the club this season.

Harry Hyland, Matteo Surace and Charlie Cox have already seen expanded roles in both batting and bowling, while Max Melzer and Jaxon Mallett are again commanding the top of the order, combining for 115 not out to defeat Ocean Grove last weekend.

Donaldson said there were no clear favourites for this season’s premiership, further cementing Barwon Heads’ strategy of taking each week as it comes.

“So many clubs have recruited well this season, you look at the eight sides and there are no obvious standouts, it’s as simple as one game at a time, really.

“Teams have strengthened their lists, but we’re just worried about what we can achieve as a club, putting what we can into our juniors, and also continuing to grow as a team.”

Barwon Heads and Barrabool start Round 4’s one-day action from 1pm at Barwon Heads Village Park.