Cricket
16 March, 2026
Warriors reign supreme
Having led the competition all year, the West Wimmera Warriors are the 2025/26 Horsham Cricket Association A grade premiers after defeating the Bullants in the grand final over the weekend at City Oval.
The Warriors have been the form team in the competition for multiple years; the victory marks the side’s first two-day premiership since 2022-23.
Warriors skipper Nathan Alexander was extremely proud of the side, having fallen agonisingly short of the two-day premiership in recent years.
“We've been working towards this for a few years now,” Alexander said.
“We've tried a few times and haven't quite got there, so the boys have been pushing really hard for this two-day grand final, and all the hard work's finally paid off.
“Everyone's extremely happy with the result today.”
On day one, the Bullants won the toss and elected to bat, where the opening pair of Matthew Combe and Jason Harris put on 31 before the former was dismissed for 17 in the 13th over.
The wickets of Harris (14) and Jamie Byrne fell shortly after, before Troy Dumesny and skipper Tony Caccaviello briefly steadied the ship to get the Bullants to 3/73.
But Warriors' quick Austin Merrett removed both Caccaviello and Dumesny (24) within a few overs of each other, sparking a Bullants’ batting collapse.
Nathan Alexander and Merrett then combined to bowl the Bullants out for 87 in the 42nd over.
Austin Merrett’s critical spell saw him finish with 5/22, while Nathan Alexander had 3/18.
Mitchell Dahlenburg was reliable with the gloves, taking four catches.
In a similar start to the Bullants, the Warriors' pair of Brad Alexander and Mitchell Dahlenburg combined for a 30-run opening partnership before Matthew Combe trapped Alexander in front for 23.
Tony Caccaviello then bowled both Dahlenburg and Nathan Alexander the following over, leaving the Warriors in trouble at 3/30.
Combe took the critical wicket of Jeremy Weeks shortly after, before the pair of Brodie Cramer and Brett Jensz settled the innings late in the day, leaving the Warriors 4/66 at stumps on day one.
The duo made a diligent start to day two, helping the Warriors surpass the Bullants’ first innings score in the 39th over.
The pair ultimately put on 83 runs together before Anthony Cutter provided the breakthrough, dismissing Jensz for 40, with Cramer eventually falling for 58 shortly after.
The Warriors reached 7/161 at tea, when the game was called, handing the Warriors the victory.
For the Bullants, Matthew Combe finished with 2/36, and Tony Caccaviello had 2/46.
Austin Merrett’s critical five-wicket haul saw him claim the player of the match award.
The Warriors skipper said the team put an onus on accurate bowling with the ball, crediting Austin Merrett for one of his best performances.
“It looked like a pretty good batting deck, and we were going to bat if we won the toss, so we knew we had to keep it really tight and take hold of our chances,” Alexander said.
“Jason Harris and Melons (Matthew Combe) did well early and looked comfortable, which was a worrying sign there, then we were lucky enough to get a little strangle down the leg side to start it off for us.
“They bat all the way down, so to roll them for 87 was super pleasing.
“Austin Merrett bowled probably the best I’ve seen him bowl all season, and took another five-for.”
Alexander credited Brodie Cramer and Brett Jensz for helping secure the win early on day two.
“We knew overnight that we had time and that we could chase it down,” Alexander said.
Brodie Cramer, that’s the perfect situation for him; he just bats all day and never looks rushed.
“He batted perfectly today and got across the line with Brett Jensz, who stuck around.”
