Cricket
6 February, 2026
Eagles produce twin upset wins
Round 11 of the Horsham Cricket Association A grade competition on Saturday, January 31, saw Brim KSH defeat second-placed Bullants in a high-scoring affair.
Playing at City Oval, the Eagles elected to bowl.
Openers Matthew Combe (86 off 88) and Justtin Combe (33 off 41) got the Bullants' innings off to a strong start before Troy Dumesny added 30 late in the innings to help the Bullants to 8/207 from their 40 overs.
Charlie Dean took some critical wickets late in the innings as he finished with 4/41 while Fletcher Bright took 2/60.
In reply, a well-paced 89-run opening partnership between Sandon Schultz (43 off 55) and Leigh Dovaston (42 off 46) sparked the Eagles’ run chase before multiple wickets from Justtin Combe kept the game in the balance during the middle portion of the innings.
But a crucial knock of 50 off 54 deliveries from Isaac McPherson, well supported by Ethan Schilling (27 not out) and Lachlan McGinniss (21), helped the Eagles finish 5/209 and reach the target with under two overs remaining.
Justtin Combe finished with 3/34 while Jordan McDonald had 1/37 from his seven overs.
Isaac McPherson said it was a great win in what has been a challenging season for the team.
“It's a really good win for our boys,” McPherson said.
“It's been a tough season, and to knock off a team like the Bullants shows that we are still amongst it, but we just haven't had some performances that we needed throughout the year."
Asked about his performance, McPherson credited his knock to the performance of the side’s top and middle order.
“I've had a bit of a lean season, which has been disappointing, but to have the start with Dovo (Leigh Dovaston) and Sin (Sandon Schultz) going at almost a run a ball opening the batting, that helps a little bit,” McPherson said.
“Ethan at the end there, chipping in as well, he's been really, really good whenever he's come up to A grade, so that's been really beneficial.
“It's easier to make runs when others are making runs around you.”
At Donald Recreation Reserve, St Mary’s elected to bat against Donald Jeffcott.
A half-century from Nathan Priest (56) got the visitors off to a sound start, but St Mary’s were not able to capitalise on various batsmen getting starts as they were eventually bowled out for 125.
For Donald Jeffcott, Oscar Hier finished with 4/15 while Bronte Campbell (3/34) and Jack Landwehr (2/27) also had multiple wickets.
Following two early wickets, opener Dylan Ruurds (74 from 67 balls) and skipper Eddie Landwehr (34) combined for an unbeaten 103-run partnership to lead Donald Jeffcott to 2/129 and an eight-wicket victory.
Aiden Keys (1/11) and Jack Evans (1/23) were the wicket takers for St Mary’s.
In B Grade, it was another upset win by Brim KSH, this time against ladder leaders Horsham Saints.
Playing at Brim Recreation Reserve, the home side elected to bat and totalled 8/139 from their 40 overs.
Mark McPherson led the side with 58 runs, while Darren Marshman (17), Connor McGinniss (15) and Aiden Ciemioch (15 not out) all made vital contributions.
For the Saints, Muhammad Hassaan Masood (3/17) and Mark Crafter (3/21) each took three wickets.
In response, the Saints were within reach at 6/122 in the 32nd over, but some clutch wickets from the Eagles saw them bowl the visitors out for 125.
Archie Sostheim top-scored for the Saints with 31, while Brock Hamerston had 24.
For Brim KSH, Sam Tickner starred with figures of 3/11, and Mark McPherson had 2/16.
At Anzac Park, West Wimmera elected to bat against Saint Mary’s and were bowled out for 156 in the 33rd over.
Jordan Gurry was among the top scorers with 27 for the Warriors, while for St Mary’s, Jed Hartnett claimed 3/27 and Matt Hartnett had 2/6.
In response, the home side were bowled out for 88, led by 39 not out from Matt Hartnett.
Jordan Gurry got the Warriors’ bowling performance off to a great start, finishing with 4/16, while Liam Preston finished the tail off to claim 3/11.
