March Update from Head of Cricket

March has been another busy month for Haileybury cricket, highlighted by a number of excellent performances across the program and some thrilling contests against strong APS opposition. Across the teams it is clear that we are competing with great spirit, showing resilience in tight matches and continuing to develop our skills as the season has progressed.

At the top level, the 1st XI have produced a superb run of results. Wins against Geelong Grammar and Brighton Grammar, along with a draw against ladder leaders Melbourne Grammar, have secured the team second place on the APS ladder. Along the way there have been a number of standout performances, including Brendan Plumb’s unbeaten century against Geelong which reinforced his position as one of the elite players in the comp, Lachie Harrop’s explosive hundred against Brighton, and a series of important bowling contributions from Gurshan Khehra, Ethan Clark, Leo Steenholdt and Alex Stevens. Just as pleasing has been the composure shown by the group in key moments, particularly in showing Melbourne we are a real threat to them as we batted positively and looked comfortable in the wake of only being given 60 overs to chase a mammoth score. My deepest thanks to Jane (mother of Alex Stevens) who has been our photographer at the 1st XI game this year – all the photos below are from Jane and she has taken some magnificent snaps, and the boys certainly appreciate your efforts too.

This run of form has earned the 1st XI a well-deserved place in the inaugural APS Cricket Grand Final, where they will once again face a strong Melbourne Grammar side. It promises to be a fantastic occasion for the program and a wonderful opportunity for the boys to showcase their hard work throughout the season. The match will be played at Port Melbourne, and we strongly encourage members of the Haileybury community to come down and support the team as they look to finish the season in the best possible fashion. It has been a magnificent season, with the boys only losing one game – the very first game of the year – against Xavier College. 8 Year 12’s in the 1st XI finish their time with us, and a premiership would be a fitting way to finish.

Across the program there have also been many positive signs. The 2nd XI recorded two wins from their three matches, highlighted by Imeth De Soysa’s outstanding century against Geelong Grammar  which earned him a 1st XI debut, and a superb five-wicket haul from Ned Davidson. The 10A side have found themselves in several tight contests, with impressive performances from Cooper Bruce and Angus Occhiuto, while the 9A team showed significant growth with the ball, led by Liam Chamoff’s consistent wicket-taking and encouraging contributions from younger players stepping up.

Congratulations also to Ahmed Raza, Brendan Plumb, Leo Steenholdt and Gurshan Khehra (emergency) who have been selected for the APS rep side for 2026. This selection is a testament to your talent and application this year. The full team is below;

• Charlie Skinner (MGS)

• Ahmed Raza (HY)

• Brendan Plumb (HY, VC)

• James Rosham (MGS, C)

• Hamish Craig (GC)

• Yannick Dobson (CY)

• John Conway (SKC)

• Jobe Fraser (CGS)

• Leo Steenholdt (HY)

• Louis Needham (MGS)

• Oskar Granberg (SKC)

• Fred Sainsbury (SC)

• Gurshan Khehra (HY, Emergency)

• Nicholas Critchley (BGS, Emergency)

• Jack Barwick (SC, Emergency)

• Aryan Verma (WC, Emergency)

• James Bokor (WC, Emergency)

I wanted to finish with a huge thanks to our magnificent Year 12 boys who play their final game of Haileybury Cricket this weekend. It has been another privilege to have you in the program, and not only have you grown as players, but you leave as another set of fine young men who should be proud of your contributions both on and off the field.

Siddhant Goel, Brendan Plumb, Ahmed Raza, Rayaan Kochhar, Gurshan Khehra, Leo Steenholdt, Nathan Yin, Dehan Nanayakkara, Aarav Gonsalvez, Spencer Saarinsen, Mitchell Huntington, Vincent Hoang – we thank you for your efforts over the years – enjoy your final game.

We hope to see plenty of Haileybury supporters at Port Melbourne cheering the boys on in the APS Grand Final, and fingers crossed the boys take the game on and secure a premiership.

Go Bloods!

Mr Kearey