The Castlemaine and District Cricket Association (CDCA) Under 15 team showcased exceptional talent and determination at the Junior Country Week Cricket competition last week, January 7-10, to record an historic win and clinch the J.D.H. Mckenzie Cup for the first time since the competition’s inception in 1966.
The CDCA fielded Under 15 and Under 13 sides in the annual competition with some fantastic individual and team achievements across the week.
Under 15s dominate
CDCA’s Under 15 side made a dominant start to the competition on Tuesday securing a commanding 139-run victory over Gisborne Green at Wesley Hill.
The Castlemaine team posted an impressive 5-235, with Brett Coon achieving his maiden century, remaining unbeaten at 114. Captain Jack Smith also contributed significantly with 83 runs. The bowlers were equally effective, with Axle Purcell taking 3-14 and Josh Nalder 2-17, dismissing Gisborne for just 96 runs.
Wednesday saw CDCA facing Ballarat in a closely contested match. Chasing Ballarat’s 7-155, CDCA reached the target with four wickets in hand, finishing at 6-158.
Jack Archer shone with both bat and ball, scoring 62 runs and taking 2-31. Brett Coon also contributed with 2-33, while Dec Brasher added a valuable 25 runs.
CDCA continued their winning streak on Thursday with a 36-run win over Gisborne White. The team set a target of 6-218, thanks to notable performances from Jack Smith 76, Jack Archer 41, Dec Brasher 38, and Harper Kneebone 36 not out.
The bowlers maintained their form, with Axle Purcell taking 2-15 and Abe Isdale 2-18, restricting Gisborne White to 8-182 and securing CDCA’s spot in Friday’s grand final showdown at the Camp Reserve.
The competition culminated in a comprehensive eight-wicket victory for CDCA in the final against Ballarat.
Ballarat was bowled out for 110, with Josh Nalder leading the bowling attack with 3-20. CDCA chased down the total in just 24 overs, scoring 2-112, with Dec Brasher remaining unbeaten on 67 and Jack Archer contributing 28 runs.
Coach Brian Brasher said this victory is particularly significant as it marks the first time CDCA has won the J.D.H. McKenzie Cup.
“The players’ dedication and skill were evident throughout the competition, and they have brought great pride to the association. Congratulations to all the players for their outstanding performance!” Brian said.
“A special thank you goes to John Howarth and the North Castlemaine Cricket Club for preparing a turf wicket for three of the matches. This facility has been instrumental in developing junior cricket and providing young players with the opportunity to play on turf,” Brasher said.
Under 15s Captain Jack Smith said it was a great honour to captain the team.
“It was a great to play alongside a bunch of guys whom have played Country Week over the last five years or so, and to then actually win made it extra special. It made all the tough years all worth it!” he said.
“The whole team played well and any number of guys could have also won the Player of the Tournament,” Jack said.
Bottom age player Abe Isdale tried out and was pleased to make the cut for the Under 15 side for the first time in 2025 and absolutely thrilled to help his team to a memorable victory.
“I had played two years in the Under 13s and could have applied for an exemption, but I decided to try out and see how I went. I was pretty stoked to make the final cut and be among six Muckleford players in the side,” he said.
“Rain washed out play Monday but they rescheduled that game against Ballarat until Wednesday. We had a big win on the Tuesday against Gisborne Green with Colts Phelans player Brett Coon making a century.
“Unfortunately, Maryborough couldn’t field a team in the tournament this year so we were fortunate to have Brett, and Axle Purcell and Josh Nalder from Carisbrook join us at Castlemaine and they were a real asset.
“We won Wednesday’s match over Ballarat with four wickets in hand. I think the boys said we hadn’t beaten Ballarat in 10 years.
“On Thursday I was proud to take two wickets against Gisborne White which we defeated by 36 runs to cruise into the final.
“We probably would have made the final on stats alone but we didn’t want to take any chances,” he said.
Abe said the highlight of the tournament for him was when Deccy Brasher hit a six to claim the grand final win.
“It was a really special moment and one I am proud to have been part of. We didn’t go crazy celebrating I think it was all a bit surreal. We couldn’t believe it,” he said.
“Brian is a great coach. He has been working with our sides for a long time and is so supportive and encouraging. It was great to get the win for Brash and the CDCA too,” he said.
Abe’s mum Shelley Krape said winning a competition like the J.D.H. McKenzie Cup is rare. So it was a particularly poignant moment.
“A huge thanks goes to Brian Brasher for giving up his time to coach the team,” Shelley said.
“Our kids are incredibly privileged to have a coach who is passionate about supporting them as players, not only in their technical skills but their personal development as well.
“The kids played extremely well under difficult circumstances. Not only was it hot, but they played for four days straight. They showed so much determination and focus and we are very proud of them,” she said.
Under 13s shine
Thirteen players represented Castlemaine and District Cricket Association in the Under 13 division for the A.J. Martin Shield.
The first game was played against Grampians at Stawell on Tuesday. Grampians batted first and scored 135 from 40 overs, with the pick of the Castlemaine bowlers Henry Blake 2-12 and Grace Smith 2-14. Castlemaine chased down the total with relative ease making 199, Charlie Cordy retiring on 42 not out, Ted Cordy 35 not out and Seth Gross making 27.
Wednesday saw the team tackle Gisborne at Harcourt Recreation Reserve. A strong bowling and fielding effort from Castlemaine restricted Gisborne to 160 batting first. Ted Cordy picked up 2-19 for the home team. In response, Castlemaine had no answers for some very tight bowling and was dismissed for 65. Woody Ulman-Jones battled hard for 11 on a tough day for the batters.
Thursday’s game was again played at Harcourt against a traditionally strong Ballarat side. Castlemaine put in another good bowling and fielding effort as Ballarat scored 166. Seth Gross, Zave Turner, Ted Cordy and Mitch Sturgess all picked up a wicket. Unfortunately, it was another strong bowling performance by the visitors and Castlemaine was restricted to 60 in response. Seth Gross, Paddy Brasher and Ted Cordy were the only batters to reach double figures.
The final game of the week saw Castlemaine playing against Grampians again at West Wendouree in Ballarat. Castlemaine batted first and posted a total of 164, with Paddy Brasher 41 retired not out, Seth Gross 35, Charlie Cordy 30 and Will Garsed 22 not out leading the way. Grampians were no match with the bat, bowled out for 64. Gianluca
Macdougall Di Manno 3-0 and Darcy Minster 2-6 ensured an early finish to the game with some excellent bowling.
Charlie Cordy led the way with a fabulous seven catches for the carnival, along with Toby Douglas-Dowling who recorded five catches and several run outs.
Under 13s Coach Jason Cordy said overall, it was a successful week for the Castlemaine Under 13 side with two wins and two losses.
“There were plenty of development opportunities for all of the players and a taste of what is required to be successful at the next level of representative cricket,” Cordy said.
The CDCA’s Under 15 Country Week squad has created history winning the J.D.H. McKenzie Cup for the first time since 1966. Photo: CDCA
The CDCA Under 13 side were proud to record two wins. Photo: CDCA