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Tallarook Lands Major Signing with Smith-Williams Return

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 22:50:27 GMT

Wednesday 1 April 2026

Fresh off the conclusion of a successful 2025–26 season, the Tallarook Cricket Club has wasted no time making a powerful early statement, securing the return of premiership player and former coach Jac Smith-Williams ahead of the 2026–27 Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) campaign.

The signing represents a significant moment for the club, reinforcing both its playing strength and leadership depth following an era of sustained on-field success.

As Tallarook sets its sights on achieving a first-ever five consecutive A Grade premierships in club history, the return of Smith-Williams adds proven quality to a group already established as the benchmark of the competition.

Smith-Williams returns following a highly successful previous stint at Tallarook, where he played a central role in the club’s 2018–19 and 2019–20 premierships as player-coach. During that period, he firmly established himself as one of the leading players in the competition.

His individual honours include the SDCA Batting Award (2018–19), Tallarook Batting Awards (2017–18, 2018–19), and the Club Champion award (2018–19).

Across his time at the club, Smith-Williams compiled 1,788 runs at an average of 52.59, including three centuries and thirteen half-centuries, highlighting his reliability at the top level.

In addition to strengthening the playing group, Smith-Williams will take on an expanded role within the club as Batting and Fielding Coach, further supporting Tallarook’s high-performance standards.

Tallarook President Mitch Itter said the club moved decisively to bring Smith-Williams back.

“We identified early that bringing Jac back was a priority, and we’re thrilled to get it done so soon after the season,” Itter said.

“This is a massive signing for our club. Jac knows what success looks like here and has already been a big part of it.”

Itter said Smith-Williams’ cricketing ability and overall impact made him a priority signing.

“Jac is an elite cricketer at this level, his record speaks for itself, and he performs in big moments. He’s a proven run-scorer, but more importantly, he understands how to win games and contribute to successful teams,” he said.

“He sets a really high standard in how he prepares and goes about his cricket. That professionalism lifts the group, and that’s just as valuable as what he produces on the field.

“As we look toward the next season and the opportunity to achieve something special, having someone who can contribute at a high level while also helping drive standards across the group is really important.

“His experience, leadership and ability to influence both games and people will add real value to our club.”

Smith-Williams’ return further strengthens Tallarook’s position as a leading force in the SDCA, with the club well placed ahead of the 2026–27 season.

Tallarook Cricket Club celebrates outstanding season at Presentation Night

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 01:33:20 GMT

Saturday 28 March 2026

The Tallarook Cricket Club (TCC) has celebrated a remarkable 2025/26 season at its Presentation Night, recognising outstanding individual performances and significant team achievements across the club.

Players, members and supporters gathered to reflect on one of the most successful seasons in the club’s history, highlighted by success across multiple grades.

Tallarook’s A Grade side secured a fourth consecutive premiership, further cementing its position as the region’s premier team, while the Under 13s claimed back-to-back premierships, completing another undefeated season.

The club’s depth was also on display in B Grade, which finished the home-and-away season as minor premiers.

TCC President Mitch Itter said the Presentation Night was an opportunity to recognise both individual excellence and the broader success of the club.

“This season has been an outstanding one for the Tallarook Cricket Club, and Presentation Night is a chance to reflect on the performances and commitment that made it possible,” Itter said.

“To win four straight A Grade premierships is a remarkable achievement, and to see our Under 13s go back-to-back while remaining undefeated speaks volumes about the strength of our junior program.”

“It’s also pleasing to see success right across the club, including our B Grade side finishing as minor premiers, which highlights the depth and consistency we’ve built.”

A highlight of the evening was the awarding of the TCC Medal, which was claimed by Lachlan Watts following an outstanding season.

The night also featured the awarding of Life Membership to Leigh Irving and Mark Manchester, recognising their outstanding service and lasting contributions to the club.

Irving’s decorated playing career and leadership, combined with his extensive off-field contribution, place him among the most influential figures in the club’s history.

Manchester has similarly been a cornerstone of the club for close to three decades, contributing as a player, administrator and tireless volunteer.

“Life Membership is the highest honour we can bestow, and both Leigh and Mark are incredibly deserving recipients,” Itter said.

The Tallarook Cricket Club congratulates all award winners and acknowledges the contribution of players, volunteers and supporters who made the 2025/26 season such a success.

2025/26 Tallarook Cricket Club Award Winners

Senior Awards

TCC Medal (Best Player): Lachlan Watts
A Grade Batting Award: Lachlan Watts (670 runs at 74.44)
A Grade Bowling Award: Kal Winnell (25 wickets at 7.1
A Grade All-Rounder: Lachlan Watts (990 points)

B Grade Batting Award: Brendan O’Donnell (272 runs at 27.2)
B Grade Bowling Award: Finn Melville (19 wickets at 8.63)
B Grade All-Rounder: Brendan O’Donnell (552 points)

Club Most Improved: Tarkyn Dundon
Best Club Person: Edenrose Dundon

Junior Awards

Under 13s
• Batting Award: Blake Winnell (201 runs at 201)
• Bowling Award: Blake Winnell (13 wickets at 3.62)
• All-Rounder: Campbell Smith (469 points)
• Most Improved: Jack McCarthy
• Coaches Award: Hudson Fairbridge

Under 11s
• Most Improved: Hugo Reid
• Coaches Award: Darcy Winnell

Life Membership

• Leigh Irving
• Mark Manchester

Rook Roost returns bigger and better than ever

Fri, 17 Oct 2025 02:35:45 GMT

Friday 17 October 2025

The innovative ‘Rook Roost’ is returning for a third season with $1,000 on the table for any cricketer who hits the Central Commissioning & Testing sign, located on the boundary fence, on the full during a senior cricket match at Tallarook.

Central Commissioning & Testing specialises in servicing the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) industry through air and water balancing, analysis and fault rectification on HVAC systems.

With T20 cricket now a staple of the Seymour District Cricket Association fixture, the ‘Rook Roost’ provides players with extra incentive to take the game on, with the chance to walk away with a great bonus.

The first six that hits the sign on the full will earn the batter a $1,000 prize, with any subsequent strikes netting $500.

Tallarook Cricket Club (TCC) President Mitch Itter thanked Central C&T for sponsoring the initiative.

“We’re stoked to have the ‘Rook Roost’ back for another season thanks to Damien and the Central C&T team,” he said.

“Damien is a great supporter of our club, our current Vice-President and is passionate about local sport and community.

“The ‘Rook Roost’ has added real excitement for players, with plenty getting close to leaving Tallarook with some heavy pockets.

“It’s been missed by inches and hit on the bounce several times so whoever hits it first will have a great story to tell.

“A big thank you from the TCC to Central C&T for their support.”

Tallarook Cricket Club offers free junior club registration for the upcoming season

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 03:42:28 GMT

Wednesday 27 August 2025

The Tallarook Cricket Club (TCC) is continuing to grow its junior program and is once again offering free club registration for all junior players in the 2025-26 Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) season.

While Cricket Victoria and Cricket Australia levies still apply, the TCC will waive all club fees for juniors, making cricket more accessible for families across the region.

Fresh from a successful year that included winning the SDCA Under 13s Premiership, the club is looking to expand its junior ranks.

“A couple of seasons ago we didn’t have junior cricket at Tallarook, now we’re on track to field three junior sides and run a Woolworths Cricket Blast program,” TCC President Mitch Itter said.

“We’ve got a great bunch of kids, incredible coaches and senior players who are actively involved with the juniors. We’d love to see even more kids pick up the game and come out to Tallarook to play with their mates.”

The removal of club fees is just one of the ways TCC is supporting families.

“We want to make sure cost is never a barrier to kids playing cricket,” Mr Itter said.

“Alongside free registration, we’ve also got plenty of pre-loved gear for kids to try, helping ease the cost of cricket equipment.

“The club also prides itself on its welcoming community, with regular Thursday meal nights bringing players, families and locals together.

“For any kids looking to get involved in local cricket, I encourage families to get in touch with the club to learn more about training dates ahead of the new season.”

Tallarook locks in leaders for upcoming season

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:37:24 GMT

Monday 25 August 2025

The Tallarook Cricket Club (TCC) has confirmed its leadership group as it looks to claim a fourth successive A Grade Premiership in 2025–26.

Senior coach Andrew Dundon will return for his fourth year at the helm, having guided the club through a remarkable period of success, including three A Grade Premierships, a B Grade Premiership, and an Under 13s Premiership to date.

While coaching stability continues, there is change in the captaincy. After six years as skipper, Lachlan Watts has stepped down. In his place, six-time A Grade Premiership vice-captain Kal Winnell will take over as Captain, supported by new Vice-Captain Josh Rudge.

TCC President Mitch Itter paid tribute to Watts’ contribution.

“Lachlan has been a fantastic leader for the club and played a huge role in one of the most successful periods in our history,” he said.

“He’ll remain heavily involved in our junior program and continue to be a star of the competition for years to come.

“We’re extremely grateful for his dedication to what is a very demanding role.

“He’s a legend of our club and a great person to have around.”

Mr Itter said Winnell’s experience and commitment made him the perfect successor.

“Kal’s record speaks for itself, eight A Grade Premierships and over a decade as a leader within the club,” he said.

“He’s also been instrumental in rebuilding our junior program and will continue working closely with Lach this season.

“We’re fortunate to have someone of his calibre step into the captaincy.

“Josh Rudge has been driving our standards on and off the field, and stepping into the Vice-Captain role is a natural progression.

“Together, Kal and Josh give us strong leadership for the season ahead.”

Three-peat coach reappointed for upcoming season

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 02:50:59 GMT

Tuesday 19 August 2025

The Tallarook Cricket Club (TCC) has announced the reappointment of Andy Dundon as coach for the 2025–26 SDCA season.

Dundon took on the role in 2022, with the TCC having claimed three consecutive A Grade Premierships under his guidance, a B Grade Premiership, and an Under-13s Premiership last year, marking an immensely successful period for the club. Dundon himself played in all three of the A Grade flags in addition to his coaching responsibilities.

His connection to the TCC runs deep, having progressed through the junior ranks, including an Under-16s Premiership in 2001–02, continuing the club’s strong record of retaining quality homegrown cricketers.

TCC President Mitch Itter said Dundon’s re-signing was a boost for the club as the season approaches.

“We’re absolutely delighted to have Andy on board for what we hope will be another successful season for the club,” he said.

“We’ve seen incredible growth across the board at the TCC over the past three years, both on and off the field, and we’re eager to see this continue.

“Andy has been absolutely instrumental in the success of our club and has set us up incredibly well for the future.

“He’s a great club person, a team man, and a fantastic leader, and we’re so excited to have him steer the ship once again.”

Pre-season training for the TCC kicks off on Friday, August 29, at the Hume Indoor Cricket Centre in Greenvale, with all returning and new players welcome.

“We’re getting ready to blow out the cobwebs with a couple of training sessions in Greenvale on Friday nights, with midweek sessions in Tallarook,” Mr Itter said.

“Tallarook is a great family club with a vibrant off-field culture, and we’d love to welcome some more players to our club.

“Come on down, see what all the fuss is about, and enjoy playing at the most successful club in the region.

“We can’t wait to get stuck back into cricket this summer.”

Tallarook Cricket Club appoints new leadership

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 23:06:38 GMT

Saturday 2 August 2025

The Tallarook Cricket Club (TCC) has announced its Executive and General Committee for the 2025–26 Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) season with some changes at the top.

After four immensely successful seasons in the role, Leigh Irving has stepped down to allow himself more time with his family while committing to remain on the General Committee and as a gun player for the TCC.

Mitch Itter will take over as President following four years in the Secretary role with Damien Arandt continuing as Vice-President, Shan Dundon taking on the Secretary position and Sam Watts returning to the Executive as Treasurer.

Rounding out the Committee are Andrew Dundon, Ash Hansen, Leigh Irving and Lachlan Watts.

Incoming President Mitch Itter thanked Irving for his ongoing dedication to the TCC and his four years as President.

“Just a couple of years ago we were down to one senior side, no juniors and looking down the barrel of some very difficult decisions,” Mr Itter said.

“Over the past four years we’ve seen some fantastic achievements both on and off the field under Leigh’s leadership.

“We’ve now got two junior sides, two senior sides and a fast-growing Woolworths Cricket Blast program.

“During his tenure we were able to invest in upgrades to our net areas twice as well as purchase a brand-new ride-on roller, both of which have made a huge difference to our players and volunteers.

“On-field we’ve just won our third successive A Grade Premiership and an Under 13s Premiership in the season just gone.

“Leigh is a true legend of the TCC, involved at the club his whole life and a superstar of the competition with eight A Grade Premierships to his name alongside too many individual awards to list.

“We thank Leigh for his ongoing service and know how fortunate we are to have someone of his calibre involved at our club.”

Itter said the TCC was looking to the future with optimism and a strong commitment to local cricket.

“We’re really ambitious for our club and for cricket across the SDCA,” he said.

“We want to be a positive contributor to the competition and ensure it’s here for many years to come.

“For anyone considering dusting off the whites or putting them on for the first time, we’d love to have you at Tallarook.

“It is a true family club, incredibly welcoming and we’d love to bring even more people through our doors.

“I’m looking forward to working with the Tallarook community and building on Leigh’s work in the year ahead.”

Tallarook Cricket Club receives $5,000 in grant funding

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 02:56:15 GMT

Thursday 31 July 2025

The Tallarook Cricket Club (TCC) has been granted $5,000 following a successful Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund (ACIF) application.

The funding is being used by the club to upgrade current training facilities, creating a safer environment for players ahead of the summer months.

Several years ago, the TCC expended roughly $20,000 of its own money to concrete player run-up areas at their net facilities. However, several issues remained.

The funding will allow the club to:

· Concrete the dirt areas between batting pitches and run-ups

· Safely secure netting between individual nets

· Cover the entire netting area with new synthetic grass

TCC Secretary, Mitch Itter, said the club would benefit greatly from the funding.

“We’re over the moon to have been awarded this grant funding and would like to thank Cricket Australia for their support of grassroots cricket,” Mr Itter said.

“I’d also like to thank our hardworking committee and supporters for their donations of time and materials to bring this project together.

“Our current net facilities have had continuous improvements, but this funding will allow us to finally have a fully concreted area with associated safety benefits.

“The current netting is secured in the dirt, meaning it naturally sags over the season, with balls often shooting through to adjacent nets.

“We’ve got plenty of kids and senior players training at the same time, so being able to resolve this safety issue is a massive win for the club.”

Itter said the upgrades would be completed in time for Round 1, with the TCC looking to build on its powerhouse status in the Seymour District Cricket Association.

“This project will be complete before Round 1, allowing our young Woolworths Blast kids, junior cricketers and senior sides to enjoy the benefits,” he said.

“Last season was another incredible one for our club, with a dominant Under 13s Premiership, our first junior flag in a long time, and a third successive A Grade Premiership.

“As a club, we’re hungry to continue our success both on and off the field and would love to welcome some more new faces to the TCC this season.

“It’s a great place to be, and we’re looking forward with great optimism and ambition for our club.”

Anyone interested in joining the TCC as either a player or volunteer is encouraged to contact TCC Secretary Mitch Itter on 0431 542 660 or secretary.tallarookcc@gmail.com.

Tallarook launches “Rook Roost”

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 03:19:24 GMT

Wednesday 18 October 2023

Tallarook Cricket Club sponsor, Central Commissioning & Testing, is bringing an innovative cash prize to matches at Tallarook this season, launching the “Rook Roost” with $500 on offer to any player who can hit their sign on the full with a six during a senior Seymour District Cricket Association match.

Central Commissioning & Testing is headed by Damien Arandt, Vice-President of the Tallarook Cricket Club and long-time player and volunteer.

With Twenty20 cricket being played for competition points across four rounds this season, including A and B Grade double headers, Damien Arandt is hopeful the Rook Roost will bring some extra excitement to games at Tallarook.

“Central Commissioning & Testing is thrilled to be partnering with Tallarook Cricket Club for this new initiative,” Mr Arandt said.

“We all want to see exciting local cricket and with T20 games in the fixture I’m hoping we see some players eying off the cash prize.

“As a business we are proud to be supporting local sporting clubs including Tallarook Cricket Club and the Avenel Swans.

“It’d be awesome to see the sign hit or a few players meeting an early exit giving it a go. I’m sure it will make for some amazing scenes if it’s hit.”

Tallarook Cricket Club President Leigh Irving thanked Central Commissioning & Testing for throwing their support behind the idea.

“Over the past few years Tallarook has actively been pushing clubs across the SDCA to adapt and create more buzz around the competition,” Mr Irving said.

“We’re pleased that our proposals to play T20 cricket for points and double header matches have been adopted after a lot of hard work.

“We’ve still got a few ideas we’re hoping to bring other clubs on board with but we will continue to develop and bring forward ideas that will promote growth in the competition.

“The Rook Roost is another great initiative coming from Tallarook and we hope it adds a bit of excitement and healthy competition this season.

Get involved in junior cricket at Tallarook

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 03:16:38 GMT

Friday 15 September 2023

Tallarook Cricket Club is encouraging prospective junior cricketers to come along to training and get active this summer. The club prides itself on its reputation as a family club, its strong connection with the broader community and a family-friendly social calendar.

This season Tallarook will be holding a Woolworths Blast Cricket Program for players aged between 5 and 9 as well as junior sides in the Seymour District Cricket Association in the under 11s and under 13s divisions.

Under 13s cricket will be played on Saturday morning and under 11s on a Friday night, with club training for juniors every Thursday effective immediately.

Tallarook Cricket Club President Leigh Irving encouraged anyone thinking of getting involved in cricket to come along and give it a go.

“Tallarook is an incredibly welcoming environment and we have no doubt our juniors will have a great season both on and off the field,” Mr Irving said.

“I’ve been involved at the club my whole life. Being involved in junior cricket here is a chance to make lifelong friends for both parents and kids.

“For us it’s not about ability but having a great time with your mates and enjoying the community atmosphere around the club.

“If you’ve got kids a bit nervous or uncertain about getting involved in cricket bring them along to a Thursday night session and they won’t look back.”

While training has already commenced the club is holding a junior registration night on October 5, before the junior season commences the week starting October 18.

“Our registration night will be a great chance for kids to sign up and get a really good feel of the club and the people involved,” Mr Irving said.

“Our juniors really benefit from the skills of our senior cricketers who will be on hand across the season on Thursday nights to support their development.

“We’ve been incredibly successful on field for a long time and are really looking forward to watching our juniors become the future stars of the club.

“Over the years everyone involved at the club has gotten so much more out of the environment than they’ve put in. It’s a great place to be and I urge everyone to come to Tallarook and get involved.”

For any enquiries, please get in touch with club Secretary Mitch Itter at secretary.tallarookcc@gmail.com

Captain and Coach continue at Tallarook

Wed, 06 Dec 2023 03:01:30 GMT

Thursday 21 September 2023

With preparations well underway for the 2023-24 Seymour District Cricket Association (SDCA) season, Tallarook has locked in its A Grade Captain and Senior Coach with Lachlan Watts and Andrew Dundon recommitting for another season.

The club dominated the SDCA last season, winning both the A Grade and B Grade premierships. Tallarook has now won six A Grade flags since 2011, establishing itself as the leading club in the competition.

The club also re-started its junior cricket pathway, fielding an Under 11s side and successfully running a Woolworths Cricket Blast program. Lachlan Watts will also coach the Under 11s side (playing on Friday nights) this season with A Grade Vice-Captain Kal Winnell coaching the Under 13s (playing on Saturday mornings).

Tallarook CC President Leigh Irving said the club was pleased to have Watts and Dundon continue their commitment to the club.

“Between Lach and Andy they have more than four decades of service at the club and we’re stoked they’re leading our club again this season,” Mr Irving said.

“We couldn’t have asked much more last season. Two premierships and an incredible culture around the club with junior cricket returning to the Rook.

“Tallarook is a fantastic place to play cricket – it’s evidenced by the long-term commitment so many people make to the club with Lachy and Andy no different.”

Lachlan Watts will enter his fifth year as captain of the club, a stint including two premierships, league medals and four club champion awards.

“We had a great year last year on field. Everyone is pumped and ready to go again this season,” Mr Watts said.

“With some Twenty20 cricket in the fixture this year, it’s going to be an exciting season and we’re looking forward to challenging ourselves in a new format.

“We set the standard last year and I’m enthusiastic about the challenge in front of us this year to stay at this level and lead an amazing group of players on the field.”

Senior Coach Andy Dundon said he was looking forward to his second season as coach at Tallarook with training already underway on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

“While many clubs are struggling with numbers, we’re going the opposite way which is probably more pleasing than anything,” Mr Dundon said.

“Last season was a great first experience coaching the club and I’m sure this year will be no different.

“It’s such a supportive environment at Tallarook and I encourage anyone thinking about cricket to come along to training and get a feel of the club, particularly youngsters who are looking to have a go for the first time.

“We’ve got a registration day coming up on October 5 for both juniors and seniors and it would be great to see some new faces there or at our Grand Final Day function, which is always a great community event. Everyone is welcome at Tallarook.”

Anyone interested in joining the club is encouraged to get in touch at secretary.tallarookcc@gmail.com .