BPCA1 flag favourite emerges

AS THE BPCA1 enters the Christmas break, Barwon Heads emerge as a hot favourite to avenge their grand final loss last season and take out the 2025/26 premiership.

After eight rounds, the Seagulls are undefeated and have hardly been challenged in all of their wins.

Their impressive start comes off the back of strong performances. Lewis Hyland has stood up when runs are required, while Sema Kamea has delivered timely breakthroughs with the ball.

Beyond Barwon Heads, the competition remains tightly packed.

With the ladder so congested, a win can propel a side into the top four, while a loss can see clubs slide towards the bottom.

Reigning premiers Armstrong Creek have endured an inconsistent start. They have twice been beaten by the Seagulls in grand final rematches.

Anglesea started strongly, winning three of the first four, but consecutive losses have seen them slip back into the middle of the pack alongside Drysdale and Jan Juc.

Queenscliff had a horror start and didn’t achieve their first win until Round 4, but have started to find their groove.

Their resurgence was highlighted by a dominant batting display against Barrabool, with captain Hayden Illingworth scoring 100 not out and Lochie Philp finishing unbeaten on 96.

Barwon Heads’ dominance is also reflected in the batting leaderboard, with Max Melzer and Lewis Hyland sitting first and second in total runs heading into 2026.

Drysdale’s Blake Dobbin leads all wicket-takers with 15.

The competition resumes on January 10, with all clubs scheduled to play one-day matches.