Cricket
17 March, 2026
Lions overcome Demons for C grade premiership glory
Swifts-Great Western claimed the 2025-26 Horsham Cricket Association C grade premiership by defeating Laharum in a thrilling run chase on Saturday at Dimboola Road Oval.
The victory capped off a great weekend for the association newcomers, with the club also claiming the B grade premiership.
The Lions won the toss and elected to bowl against the Demons, who struggled early, reaching 4/27 in the 12th over.
Ben Peucker then led the resurgence for Laharum, helping the side to 5/84.
But impressive bowling from the Combine duo of Darby Grinham and Tom Robinson kept regular wickets falling.
Peucker was ultimately the last man standing on 56 not out for the Demons as the side was bowled out for 114.
Sean Wouters was the next top scorer with 12, while Daniel Mibus had 11.
For the Lions, Robinson finished with 3/13, Darby Grinham had 3/14, while Aaron Greenough took 2/12.
Swift-Great Western started strongly with 18 runs before losing five wickets to reach 5/28 in the 13th over.
A key partnership between Darby Grinham (30) and Joseph Martin revived the innings.
Laharum regained momentum after dismissing Josh McCartney and Aaron Greenough in successive overs, leaving the side at 8/97 with just over five overs remaining.
But Joseph Martin (34 not out) delivered under pressure, hitting 15 runs off eight balls to carry the Lions to 8/115 and a two-wicket victory.
Darby Grinham was awarded player of the match for his standout contributions with both bat and ball.
For the Demons, Archie Watt (2/3) and Connor Cowan (2/29) each took two wickets, while Daniel Mibus finished with an economical 1/9.
Speaking with Wimmera Mallee News, Joseph Martin was elated to help guide the side to victory after an otherwise lean season with the bat.
“It feels pretty good (to hit the winning runs,” Martin said.
“But I haven’t actually made many runs all season.
“I think I won the duck award at the club, had five ducks, so to get the winning runs feels good.”
