Women’s 1st XI vs Mooroolbark (at Yarra Junction)
Yarra Junction’s Women’s side started their season in perfect fashion with a dominant 10 wicket victory over Mooroolbark at home.
Bowling first in the T20 fixture, Junction’s attack was disciplined from the outset, maintaining tight lines to restrict Mooroolbark to 6/93.
Alannah Bomford (2/8) and Tully Mock (2/11) led the way with the ball, supported by a sharp fielding effort that kept the visitors under constant pressure.
In reply, the Junction openers made the chase look effortless.
Abbie Pou was superb, retiring on 53 not out, while Lisa Hilton provided steady support with an unbeaten 30.
New captain Maddy Bennett fittingly hit the winning runs, finishing 4 not out as Yarra Junction cruised to victory without losing a wicket.
Men’s 1st XI vs Warrandyte:
It was a tough start to the season for Yarra Junction’s 1st XI, who fell to Warrandyte in a one-sided contest.
Batting first, veteran Kevin “Bomma” Bomford showed that age is no barrier, blasting a rapid 57 from just 34 balls to continue his remarkable form at 50 years of age.
Unfortunately, little support followed, with the next best contribution being 15 as Junction were bowled out for 136.
Warrandyte made short work of the chase, passing the total in 20 overs for the loss of only three wickets.
Despite the result, the reigning premiers will look to regroup quickly as they return home next week for the first time since lifting last season’s premiership, eager to bounce back in front of their home crowd.
Men’s 2nd XI vs Lilydale:
Yarra Junction’s 2nd XI began their season in style with a dominant win over Lilydale at home.
Bowling first, the Junction attack kept things tight throughout the innings, restricting Lilydale to 9/187 from 40 overs.
Tyler Reed (2/28) led the way with his control and consistency, while new overseas recruit Eashan Turnbull impressed on debut, claiming 2/12 in an excellent first outing for the club.
The chase was clinical.
Returning duo Sugar Ray Turner and Beau Hawkins set a strong platform at the top, before Hawkins fell for 18.
Turner retired hurt after a fluent 64, paving the way for 13-year-old Jaiden Lever to take centre stage.
Showing composure beyond his years, Lever compiled an unbeaten 50 not out, supported by Pat Ford, who marked his 150th match with a blistering cameo of 24 from 9 balls to seal the win inside 35 overs for the loss of just one wicket.
Men’s 3rd XI vs Lilydale:
It was a day to remember for club legend Glenn “Blackie” Thompson, who celebrated his 300th match for Yarra Junction in style — helping steer the 3rd XI to a commanding victory over Lilydale.
Batting first, Rob Boxell’s brisk 29 set the tone and Lachie Thompson followed with a rapid 31 from just 14 balls.
From there, the experienced Glenn Thompson (64) and stand-in skipper Callum Thornton (69)* combined superbly, adding a match-defining 120-run partnership that lifted Junction to a strong total of 7/238.
Lachie Thompson led the way bowling with 3/20 from 7 overs.
The perfect script was completed when Glenn Thompson took the final wicket, caught fittingly by his son, sealing a memorable win on his milestone day.
