“WE’RE A HAPPY TEAM AT WESTBURY! WE’RE THE MIGHTY SHAMROCKS!” were the words bellowed across the changerooms across two separate venues as the Westbury Shamrocks 1st and 2nd Grade teams rejoiced in victory in the 2025-26 Cricket North Grand Finals. It was the first time 1979-80 that Westbury 1st grade and 2nd grade teams won both premierships in the same year.
Shamrocks Secure Fifth Straight Premiership in Dominant Display
Letter to the Editor
The Westbury Shamrocks have further cemented their status as the dominant force in northern Tasmanian cricket, claiming their fifth consecutive 1st Grade premiership with a convincing first-innings victory over Riverside Blues in the Cricket North Grand Final at Invermay Park on Sunday, March 29. The triumph marks an extraordinary 10 premierships in the past 14 years for the club.
The foundation for victory was laid across the opening two days, with Westbury capitalising on the availability of veteran spearhead Jonathan “Jono” Chapman, who would miss Day 2 due to a wedding commitment. After winning the toss and electing to bowl on a flat wicket, the Shamrocks made an immediate impact. Chapman struck in the opening over and soon removed dangerous Riverside batsman Cooper Anthes, setting the tone for a dominant session.
Westbury’s disciplined bowling attack had Riverside under significant pressure at 8–59, with Chapman leading the charge (4–39), well supported by Ollie Wood (2–42), spinner Kieren Hume (2–51) and captain Joel Lloyd (2–46). However, a resilient partnership between Lyndon Stubbs (71 not out) and Caleb Brewer (35) added 89 runs and pushed Riverside to a more competitive total. With contributions from the tail, Riverside was eventually dismissed for 181.
In reply, Westbury made a steady start late on Day 1, finishing 0–41 at stumps, with Jordan French and Chapman seeing off the new ball. On Day 2, French continued his strong form, compiling a composed 52, while James Tyson (37) provided valuable support. A patient innings from James Baker helped stabilise the middle order, allowing the Shamrocks to build momentum.
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The defining moment came through a dominant partnership between former captain Daniel Murfet (65) and all-rounder Ollie Wood (65). The pair added over 100 runs, guiding Westbury from 3–140 to 5–278 and putting the match firmly in their control. Despite some late resistance from Riverside, Westbury was eventually bowled out for 324, securing a commanding first-innings lead of 143 runs.
With time against them, Riverside adopted an aggressive approach in their second innings on Day 3. While Anthes provided resistance with 41, Westbury’s bowlers once again proved too strong. Chapman (4–64) and Hume (3–41) led the attack, supported by Lloyd and a sharp run-out in the field, as Riverside’s hopes of a historic premiership faded.
Recognising the inevitable, Riverside conceded the match early in the final session, handing Westbury a well-deserved victory and extending their remarkable premiership streak.
Chapman was named Player of the Match, finishing with outstanding match figures of 8–103, along with a valuable late cameo of 25 runs.
The victory highlights Westbury’s depth, experience and sustained excellence, as the Shamrocks continue to set the benchmark in Cricket North’s premier competition.
Westbury Claim Historic Second Grade Premiership
The Westbury Shamrocks Second Grade side has etched its name into club history, securing its first premiership in 35 years with a hard-fought 42-run victory over South Launceston on Sunday, March 29 at Ingamells Oval. Hosting the two-day Grand Final after finishing on top of the ladder, Westbury delivered a composed and resilient performance to cap off an outstanding season.
Led by club president and captain Matthew Allen, the Shamrocks won the toss and elected to bat on a well-prepared surface. Allen set the tone early with an aggressive innings of 43 from 44 balls, striking five boundaries in a lively opening partnership with Luke Watson. The pair combined for 54 runs, providing Westbury with a strong platform.
However, momentum briefly shifted when the middle order faltered, with the Shamrocks slipping from 1–54 to 4–69, including the early dismissal of leading run-scorer and coach Chathura Athukorala. At a crucial stage of the match, Joseph Griffin produced a composed and determined innings, compiling 66 from 123 deliveries to stabilise the innings.
Griffin was well supported by recruit Tim Braybon, who contributed a patient 12, and Daniel Rowe, who added a valuable 22. Their efforts ensured Westbury remained competitive, eventually being bowled out for 192 late on Day 1.
South Launceston responded strongly in the final hour, reaching 3–74 at stumps, with steady contributions from their top order. Heading into Day 2, the match was evenly poised, with South appearing to hold the momentum.
Westbury, however, responded with discipline and determination on Sunday. Early pressure from the bowling attack proved decisive, with James Baker striking to remove a key batter and shift the balance. Baker (2–19) combined effectively with his fellow bowlers to restrict scoring opportunities and build sustained pressure.
As the innings progressed, wickets began to fall at regular intervals. Braybon (3–19) played a crucial role through the middle stages, while off-spinner Beau Skinner delivered a match-defining spell, claiming 3–17 and dismantling the lower order. Athukorala also made an important contribution with the ball, claiming a key wicket to halt South Launceston’s resistance.
From a promising position, South Launceston lost 5 wickets for just 27 runs, collapsing under sustained pressure as Westbury seized control. The final wicket, a diving catch from captain Allen at first slip off the bowling of Skinner, sparked jubilant celebrations, with players and supporters recognising the significance of the achievement.
The victory marks a long-awaited milestone for the Second Grade side and reflects the depth, resilience and unity within the Westbury Shamrocks Cricket Club. After decades of near-misses and rebuilding, the 2025/26 premiership stands as a testament to the club’s commitment to development and success across all grades.
