Westbury Shamrocks ready for an exciting 2025 cricket season

By Liam Ryan

The Westbury Shamrocks Cricket Club is gearing up for another exciting and competitive season in 2025, with strong leadership, experienced players, and an ever-growing junior program setting the tone for the months ahead.

This year marks a change in leadership, with Matthew Allen taking on the role of Club President. Matthew steps into the position following the long and dedicated service of Michael Claxton, a respected Westbury local who has led the club with distinction for many years. The Shamrocks extend their sincere thanks to Mick for his outstanding contribution and leadership, and look forward to seeing him around the club throughout the summer.

The club is also pleased to continue its partnership with club coach Chathura Athukorala, who returns after a successful 2024 season across all grades. Under his guidance, the Shamrocks fielded competitive sides and continued to strengthen their culture of teamwork and excellence.

In the Senior Men’s competition, the club is proud to announce its captains for 2025. Joel Lloyd will once again lead the 1st Grade side, as they look to defend their premiership title. Matthew Allen continues his captaincy of 2nd Grade, bringing strong leadership both on and off the field. Aiden Bennett will once again guide 3rd Grade, while Sam French and Ashden Tracey will share the captaincy duties for 4th Grade, ensuring consistency and depth across all senior teams.

The Senior Women’s team showed remarkable improvement last season, and expectations are high for further growth in 2025. The team will be co-captained by Summer Cherdron and Stacey Norton-Smith, both of whom bring passion and experience to the role. Key players Charlotte Clayton, Summer Cherdron, and Stacey Norton-Smith are expected to lead from the front this season.

The Shamrocks’ junior program continues to thrive, thanks to the commitment of Sam French, who is coordinating the club’s junior teams. This year, Westbury will field Under 12s, Under 14s, and Under 16s teams, giving young players valuable opportunities to develop their cricketing skills.

In town, Nick Spencer is doing outstanding work with the St Patrick’s Shamrocks junior program, which has expanded to include two Under 12s teams and an Under 14s side. The club has seen fantastic growth under Nick’s leadership, as more young players from the area take up the game.

The senior sides will also be strengthened this season with Jonathan Chapman returning for more matches in 1st Grade, alongside the return of former premiership player Nathan Parkin from overseas. Their inclusion will add depth and experience to an already strong batting lineup. The club is also excited to see continued development from promising young players Cooper Kedey, Kristian House, Will French, and Levi Dadson.

The Shamrocks wish to acknowledge and thank the Meander Valley Council, particularly Danny Bennett, for their ongoing support and excellent work in maintaining the grounds and preparing the turf wicket each week.

The club warmly welcomes all new and returning players across the men’s, women’s, and junior divisions, and encourages local children aged 3-10 to join the Junior Blasters Centres, held at both Westbury and St Patrick’s College, Prospect Vale.

With strong leadership, talented players, and growing community involvement, the Westbury Shamrocks Cricket Club is well positioned for another successful season in 2025.