Sport
19 November, 2025
Cobden remains unbeaten in Premier division
COBDEN continued its unbeaten start to the season in the Colac-South West premier cricket competition with a dominant win over City United on Saturday.
The visitors won the toss and elected to bat first on the Cobden turf wicket, which was in use for the first time in the 2025/26 season.
A strong bowling and fielding effort saw the visitors all out for just 117 in the 46th over.
“It was a good all round effort,” Cobden captain Johno Benallack said.
“Our fielding was outstanding early and our bowlers were tight all the way through.”
Cobden restricted City United to 1/10 from the first 10 overs which Benallack said set the tone for the day.
Eddie Walsh led Cobden’s bowlers with 3/12 from eight overs.
“Eddie is bowling without any pressure on him, he’s stronger this year and really letting them go.”
Younger brother Lenny Walsh took the crucial wicket of City United star Dylan Slater.
“It was massive for Lenny, he had a catch dropped off his bowling the over before, it was a big wicket, we were really pleased for him.”
Cobden had little trouble in the run chase, passing City’s total in the 24th over two wickets down.
Opener Matt Boyle hit 53 from 52 balls, with Campbell Walsh unbeaten on 37 and Matt Kemp on 16.
“Boyley is dangerous when he gets in, he put the pressure back on them straight away.
“The pitch played really well so after a good start we were well in control.”
This week the Knights play Pomborneit at Pomborneit in a rematch of last season’s division one grand final.
“It’s always a tough contest against Pomborneit, it will be interesting to see where we are at.”
In division two, Cobden had a four wicket win over Bookaar at the Timboon High School oval.
Batting first, Bookaar was dismissed for 117 in the 37th over.
New ball bowlers Cooper Beard and Brandon Goodhall took two wickets each, as did skipper Luke Hickey.
Cobden passed the Pelicans score in the 20th over for the loss of six wickets.
Opener Kaplan McCann top scored with 51 from 56 balls, with Goodhall making 26 in the win.
The division three Knights had a 16 run loss to Pomborneit Gold at Camperdown number two.
Pomborneit Gold batted first and made 3/172 from its 40 overs, with Brodie Hanks, Eamon Sloane and Lachie Hayes taking a wicket each.
Cobden struggled for most of the run chase, until a seventh wicket partnership of 68 between Bailey Clarke and Rick Bailey gave the Knights some hope.
Clarke finished unbeaten on 23 from 40 balls, with Bailey out for a run a ball 43.
On Sunday, the scheduled under 16 match between Cobden and Heytesbury-Princetown was washed out, as was Monday night’s under 13 game between Cobden and Boorcan.
In women’s cricket, Cobden was 4/47 against Nestles at the Reid Oval when the game was abandoned due to rain.
Rachel O’Keeffe was unbeaten on 27 from 29 balls when play was called.
In the South West women’s competition, Cobden Blue had a 46 run win over Nirranda at South Purrumbete, while Cobden Gold had a 38 run win over Camperdown at Camperdown number two.
Jess Walsh made 30 retired and Sally Merrett 23 not out in Blue’s 2/116.
Nirranda was dismissed for 70 in reply, with Walsh and Katie Hansford taking two wickets each.
Captain Ingrid Bellman top scored with 30 retired in Gold’s total of 5/115.
Camperdown replied with 4/77, with a wicket each to Bellman, Akeisha Bishop and Harmoney Bishop.
This week’s games see Cobden play Boorcan at Cobden in division two and Ecklin at Camperdown number two in division three.
The under 16 Knights play Bookaar at Cobden on Sunday, while on Monday the under 13s play Heytesbury-Princetown at Timboon.
In women’s cricket tonight, Cobden Blue play Camperdown at Camperdown number two, while Cobden Gold play Ecklin at South Purrumbete.
On Sunday in the Warrnambool Moyne District CA women’s competition, Cobden will host Hawkesdale at Ecklin.
Read More: Cobden