The Westbury Shamrocks Cricket Club has continued a strong and positive 2025/26 season, with every senior team either playing finals or remaining firmly in contention as the competition approaches its conclusion. Club coach Chathura Athukorola and Women’s Team coach Aiden Bennett have both praised the high participation levels, strong training standards and positive morale across the club this year, highlighting the continued growth of both the men’s and women’s programs.
The Westbury Women’s team enjoyed a breakthrough season, finishing first on the overall ladder after spending the previous three seasons building their experience at the bottom of the table. Led by coach Aiden Bennett and co-captains Summer Cherdron and Stacey Norton-Smith, the side hosted the grand final against reigning premiers Riverside at Westbury on a beautiful summer evening on Friday, February 20. A large crowd gathered around the ground and clubhouse to support both teams, with strong local support behind the Shamrocks. After winning the toss, Westbury elected to bowl and performed well to restrict Riverside to 8–86. Young opening bowler Charlotte Clayton impressed with figures of 2–12, while co-captain Stacey Norton-Smith claimed 2–18, helping keep the opposition batters under pressure.
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Westbury began the run chase confidently but lost early wickets, exposing the middle and lower order. Riverside bowled with discipline, building pressure through dot balls and regular breakthroughs. The Shamrocks were eventually bowled out for 28. While the result was disappointing, the team showed great spirit and sportsmanship, and Riverside were deserving winners. Westbury can take great pride in a remarkable season of improvement and growth. Norton-Smith capped off an outstanding year, finishing as the club’s leading performer with 505 runs and 21 wickets.
The Fourth-Grade men’s side finished third on the ladder, narrowly missing a grand final berth after falling to a strong Launceston team in the home semi-final. Led by captain and club favourite Ashden Tracey, the youthful squad showed impressive development throughout the season. Experienced players Sam French and James Nesbit provided valuable leadership to support the younger players. With the bat, Matthew Hernyk and Nesbit both produced excellent seasons, each scoring 295 runs. Tracey led the bowling with 16 wickets, closely followed by emerging players Levi Dadson (15), Eoin McMahon (15), Josh House (14) and Fraser Bennett (14).
In Third-Grade, captain Aiden Bennett led his team into the Grand Final at Westbury on Sunday, March 15 against South Launceston after finishing top of the ladder during the regular season. Bennett recently announced the match would be his final game for the club as he focuses on spending more time with his young family. A respected leader, Bennett was awarded life membership last year in recognition of his many years of service as captain, committee member and coach of the women’s team. Standout performers for Third Grade this season include Mohammadzuber Diwan (266 runs), Robindeep Singh (227 runs), and bowlers Yadu Satheesan (25 wickets) and Robindeep Singh (23 wickets).
As of March 13, both First and Second Grade men’s teams remain strongly placed for finals. First Grade has secured top spot and will contest the three-day grand final at Invermay Park from March 27–29, while Second Grade remains in finals contention beginning March 21.
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The club looks forward to celebrating the season at the End of Season Dinner and Presentation Evening at the Westbury Recreation Centre on Saturday, April 18, with all supporters and community members warmly invited to attend.
