Tungamah Cricket Club held its first presentation night since 2014 last week.
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After the first season back on the field, players from the past and present came together to celebrate the end of the 2025/2026 season.
This was a special occasion, as it also served as a reunion celebrating the club’s past successes in the Yarrawonga & District Cricket Association and the Benalla & District Cricket Association.
The A Grade side of 2004/2005 were minor premiers for the season in both competitions. They also claimed the inaugural one-day premiership in the YDCA and capped off the season with a victory over Yarrawonga Footballers in the Donovan Shield final.
Sean Giblett was named Man of the Match with figures of 6/18 and 77 runs.
The senior side of 2013/14 finished the regular season as minor premiers. They faced Tatong in the major semi-final, where the winner would progress directly to the grand final.
The boys delivered a dominant performance, winning by eight wickets. In the grand final, they again faced Tatong. Entering as favourites, they did not disappoint, showing great skill and class to secure a nine-wicket victory.
Ashley Saunder was named Man of the Match, finishing with one wicket, one catch, and 105 not out.
Friday night was not just a celebration of our first season back, but also a chance to recognise the achievements of a man who has given so much to this club. Without his willingness and eagerness to help get the club back up and running, we would not have been there that night.
This individual has contributed enormously over a long period of time. What he has brought to the club through coaching, administration, leadership, and playing is invaluable and can never truly be repaid. It is people like this who ensure clubs can survive anything. Their grit and determination are truly remarkable qualities of our volunteers.
This person has been recognised on two previous occasions, receiving life membership honours at Bagshot Cricket Club and Bunbartha Cricket Club.
While at Bagshot, he worked tirelessly to form an Under 16 team. With the help of students, he would walk around at lunchtimes collecting rocks from a paddock in preparation for sowing grass, installing a basic watering system, and laying a concrete wicket.
Life Member Les Harrison with Drew Haebich & Kieran Green (President).
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
The oval at Huntly School is named in his honour. Between 1975 and 1980, he won Club Champion four times, including three consecutive years, claimed the batting award four years in a row, and the bowling award once.
At Bunbartha Cricket Club, which he helped reform after it had disbanded in 1935, he was instrumental in establishing a pitch and oval.
Following their first meeting, they had enough numbers to field two senior teams and an Under 16 side in the Nathalia Cricket Association.
Kieran Green – The Harro Club Person of the Year with Les Harrison.
Photo by
Les_Garbutt
At Tungamah, he continued with the same dedication and enthusiasm. He coached and mentored many juniors, many of whom were also his students at the local primary school.
He was elected captain on several occasions. While club records are limited, available information shows he won an A Grade wicket aggregate award and served on the club committee during premiership years in 2004/05, 2006/07, and 2013/14.
The man we speak of is Les Harrison.
We are extremely grateful for Les’ contribution to the Tungamah Cricket Club. He was nominated for the club’s first life membership award, and the current committee unanimously approved the nomination.
The club has also renamed the Best Club Person of the Year award in his honour, now known as “The Harro Club Person of the Year”.
Drew Haebich, who nominated Les for this honour, was invited to present the award on the night.
The club was also joined by special guests representing Bagshot Cricket Club, Jamie Sexton and Errol, a former Kamarooka Cricket Club opponent who has since become a great friend.
Awards
Life Member – Les Harrison
1st Eleven Most Runs – Tom Irvine
1st Eleven Most Wickets – Ben Beaton
5-Wicket Haul (x2) – Ben Beaton
Boosey Creek Pond – Daddles the Duck Award – Rory Saunders
Club Most Fielding Dismissals – Kieran Green
Coaches/Captain Award – Archie Doyle
1st Eleven Best and Fairest – Tom Irvine & Ben Beaton
Bill Parsell Memorial Shield (Club Champion) – Ben Beaton
The Harro Club Person of the Year – Kieran Green
The club would also like to thank all the sponsors for their contributions to our re-establishment and what we have achieved this season. Without their support, this would not have been possible.
A special mention goes to Yarrawonga Woolworths, with thanks to store manager Craig Kelly and Bec Foster for helping organise donations for prizes for our Easter raffle.
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