Sport
5 November, 2025
Patching’s hit of hope
Patching produced a superb 69 not out from 73 deliveries — a composed and disciplined knock that held the innings together while wickets fell around him.
ST ARNAUD Saints showed plenty of fight but were ultimately outclassed by the Southern Mallee Giants in Round 2 of the Wimmera Mallee A Grade competition on Saturday, going down by seven wickets at Hopetoun Recreation Reserve.
Sent in to bat, the Saints worked hard for their total of 7/142 from 40 overs, with long-time club leader Jacob Patching once again leading from the front. Patching produced a superb 69 not out from 73 deliveries — a composed and disciplined knock that held the innings together while wickets fell around him.
Bradley Williams (16) and Andrew Shovan (26) provided a solid start, before a mid-innings collapse saw runs dry up and the scoreboard stall.
At one stage, it looked as though St Arnaud might struggle to reach three figures, but through sheer determination, Patching steadied the ship.
With the support of Jason Smith, the pair guided the Saints safely through their overs, pushing the total beyond 140 — a score that had seemed unlikely just eight overs earlier.
For the Giants, Luke Mitchell (1/19), Jack Flavel (1/22) and Jackson Moore (1/37) were the main wicket-takers, while their bowlers collectively kept things tight in the field.
In reply, the Saints began brightly, striking early through Jacob and Lachlan Patching to have the home side wobbling at 2/27. But from there, Jack Flavel and Srikanth Reddy Kasaram took control with a steady and ultimately match-winning partnership. Flavel compiled a patient 58 from 80 balls, anchoring the innings, while Kasaram played fluently for a commanding 61 not out, taking the game away from St Arnaud with a series of well-timed strokes.
A memorable highlight came when 13-year-old debutant Charlie Kirk claimed his maiden senior wicket — that of the in-form Flavel — marking a special milestone in the young cricketer’s promising career.
Kasaram and Jayson Kiem guided the Giants home at 3/143 in the 31st over, sealing a confident victory.
Despite the result, the Saints can take plenty of positives from the fight shown by their senior core and the emergence of exciting young talent.
They’ll look to bounce back this weekend when they host the Birchip Swans at King George’s Park.
Doran’s masterclass guides Swans past Charlton
Birchip Swans have notched up another impressive win, overcoming Charlton in their Round 2 Wimmera-Mallee Cricket Association encounter at Charlton Park on Saturday — thanks largely to a commanding innings from Riley Doran.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Swans got off to a steady start before Doran took charge of proceedings.
The right-hander played one of the innings of the season so far, blasting an unbeaten 126 from just 90 balls in a dominant display that had the Charlton attack on the back foot.
Combining power with placement, Doran was clinical through the middle overs, lifting the run rate and guiding Birchip to a strong total by the close of innings.
Hudson McCredden (31 off 72) provided a patient anchor at the top of the order, laying the groundwork for the fireworks that followed.
Mark Trollope and Connor Lee both added handy contributions, ensuring Birchip’s innings maintained its momentum throughout.
Charlton’s bowlers had to dig deep in warm conditions. Captain Patrick Soulsby led from the front, claiming a key wicket and conceding just 33 runs from his eight overs, while Ethan Soulsby and Leigh Van Boven each chipped in with wickets of their own.
Vice-captain Billy Sexton also proved a handful, delivering four overs for just 13 runs in a disciplined display.
With the bat, Charlton showed glimpses of promise in reply, anchored by a determined 79 from Sexton, who produced a composed innings filled with smart shot selection and patience. He found support from Cooper Boyle (30) and Sujeesh Mohanan (25 from 19), both of whom looked capable of turning the tide before falling in quick succession.
Birchip’s bowlers, however, kept things tight when it mattered most. James Paley was the pick of the attack with 2/22 from eight tidy overs, while Doran added to his outstanding day with a wicket of his own.
Lee, McCredden, and Doranall chipped in to keep the pressure on, ensuring Charlton were held comfortably at bay.
The Swans’ blend of patience early and aggression late once again proved the difference, with Doran’s masterclass setting the tone for what looks to be a promising campaign ahead.
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