The Bairnsdale Cricket Association (BCA) held its 2025/26 presentation night on Monday at the Bairnsdale Bowling Club.

The night’s top honour, the Bairnsdale Advertiser Cricketer of the Year, went to Lindenow South Glenaladale veteran Scott Davidson. He held off a late challenge from St Mary’s Nagle star Ricky Tatnell, who had come into his own after the Christmas break.

This marked Davidson’s third win of the award, 20 years after his first. Other three-time winners, Steven Lind and Russell White, were in attendance, while Davidson’s father, Garry, has won the award four times.

White and fellow Wy Yung legend Keith Murray were earlier presented with BCA Life Memberships. All “A” grade awards were presented by White’s son, former Australian player Cameron, who travelled to see his father honoured.

Davidson enjoyed a stellar season, scoring 430 runs at 28.67, including a top score of 116. His 34 wickets at 8.68 earned him the competition bowling award, highlighted by figures of 6/23.

The “A” grade batting award was claimed by the rejuvenated Aaron Cameron of Paynesville, who amassed 447 runs at 89.4.

In “B” grade, Bruthen dominated the awards, with Rhys Kennedy winning the batting (580 runs at 82.86) and Cricketer of the Year, while Cec Matthews took the bowling award (20 wickets at 9.25). Two standout performances were recognised: Wy Yung’s David Wolfe’s 220 not out against Buchan and Lucknow youngster Fletcher Watt’s 7/18 against St Mary’s Nagle.

Sarsfield’s Rajantha Dissanayake swept the “C” grade awards, taking the batting (424 runs at 70.67), bowling (15 wickets at 14.4), and Cricketer of the Year.

In the women’s competition, Paynesville’s young gun Dixie Clack won the batting (179 runs at 59.67) and Cricketer of the Season, while Meerlieu’s Lucy Simpson claimed the bowling (10 wickets at 6).

Promising Lucknow all-rounder Mitchell Johnson won the Trevor Muntz Under 18 award, and experienced official Martin Blennerhassett was named Umpire of the Year.

Grand final umpires were also presented: Anna Quinsey-Munro and Steven Lind (“A” grade), Martin Blennerhassett and Dennis Stevens (“B” grade), Peter Usher and Chris Lane (“C” grade).

Awards were also presented to Wy Yung Cricket Club for the best turf wicket and Orbost Cricket Club for the best outfield.

Melbourne Country Week awards went to leading batsman Rico Fourie (97 runs at 24.25) and bowler Brodie Anderson (seven wickets at 7.68).

The night was ably compered by BCA president Ian Kyle.Paynesville rising star Dixie Clack won the women’s competition batting award and cricketer of the season.Lucknow young gun, Mitchell Johnson ,was the winner of the Trevor Muntz under 18 award. Johnson also won the Gippsland Cricket League under 18 player of the year.Bairnsdale Advertiser Cricketer of the Year, Lindenow South Glenaladale’s Scott Davidson.Promising Lucknow youngster, Fletcher Watt was rewarded for taking 7/18 in “B” grade against St Mary’s Nagle in round 11.Melbourne Country Week award winners were Rico Fourie (batting) and Brodie Anderson (bowling).Lucknow’s Aaron Cameron had an outstanding season with the bat in “A” grade, winning the competition award.Martin Blennerhassett was awarded the prestigious “Umpire of the Year” award.Keith Murray (Wy Yung) and Jayden Price (Orbost) were smiles after their clubs were awarded best turf and best outfield respectively.The 2025-2026 Bairnsdale Cricket Association grand final umpires were presented, with Anna Quinsey-Munro and Steven Lind selected for “A” grade, Martin Blennerhassett and Dennis Stevens “B” grade, with Peter Usher and Chris Lane officiating the “C” grade decider.Sarsfield “C’ grade star Rajantha Dissanayake had a huge night, scooping all the awards in the grade (batting, bowling and cricketer of the year).Keith Murray and Russell White were welcomed as Life Members of the Bairnsdale Cricket Association.