The Bairnsdale Cricket Association’s (BCA) “A” grade competition kicks off this Saturday with a full round of one-day matches.
It’s a revamped competition, reduced to eight sides with the exclusion of last season’s runner-up, Lindenow South Glenaladale. They will field only one team this season in “B” reserve, after a player exodus from last season.
Clubs have recruited strongly over the off-season, strengthening their playing stocks, with 2026/27 expected to be a relatively even competition.
Reigning premier, Wy Yung, again looms as the side to beat, with improvement expected from Lakes Entrance and Lucknow, while West Bairnsdale is always around the mark, with Paynesville, St Mary’s Nagle, Orbost and Meerlieu having worked hard in the off-season to create more depth and lists that could see them making gains in the win/loss stakes.
Lakes’ expected improvement will be put to the test in round one when they visit arch-rival, Orbost.
Meerlieu and St Mary’s Nagle will clash at the MCG, with Ricky Tatnell’s absence evening the game up.
Paynesville faces a stiff test against the Tigers at AJ Freeman Oval, while the Magpies and West Bairnsdale look evenly matched for their clash at Hudson Alvin Oval.
Round one: “A” grade: Orbost v Lakes Entrance; Meerlieu v St Marys Nagle; Paynesville v Wy Yung; Lucknow v West Bairnsdale.
The other three grades and the junior competitions will commence next weekend.
The “B” grade competition contains Bruthen, Paynesville, West Bairnsdale, Lucknow, Metung Swan Reach and Meerlieu.
In “B” reserve – the league’s newest grade which will aid in bridging the gap between the top “B” grade sides and those who struggled during season 2025/26 – will feature Wy Yung, St Mary’s Nagle, Meerlieu, Lakes Entrance, Lucknow, Orbost, Buchan, Lindenow South Glenaladale and Bruthen.
While in “C” grade, Lakes Entrance, Paynesville, Lucknow, Sarsfield, Meerlieu, and St Mary’s Nagle have entered teams.
