It is with great pleasure to announce that Neil White, the 1992/93 Sunbury Cricket Club premiership Captain and Coach, was inducted into the GDCA Hall of Fame at last night’s GDCA presentation award function.

Neil’s time at Sunbury Cricket Club (SCC) was instrumental in shaping the club’s golden era, which was highlighted in 1992/93 where SCC claimed three out of four GDCA premierships on offer at the time, with a commendable runner-up finish in C Grade.

As captain during the 1990/91 season, Neil led the team to an impressive undefeated streak until the final match, showcasing his exceptional leadership and skills as a talented batting all-rounder.

In addition to several personal cricketing achievement awards, Neil served on the executive committee as President in season 2000/01. In his capacity as President, Neil renewed the club’s junior program, which had been dormant for several seasons, helping to foster the next generation of cricketers.

Beyond his contributions to SCC, Neil was a highly regarded player and captain in Bendigo Country Week, and he actively participated in Melbourne Country Week and KENMAC Shield matches, further emphasising his commitment to the sport.

His dedication and contributions have not only benefited Sunbury Cricket Club but have also made a lasting impact on cricket within the Gisborne and District Cricket Association (GDCA).

Achievements:

Sunbury Cricket Club

• Hall of Fame Inductee
• Coach 1990/91 to 1994/95
• Best and Fairest 1989/90, 1994/95
• Captain/Coach – GDCA A Grade 1992/93 Premiership
• (1992/93, Coach GDCA B Grade and D Grade Premiers, C Grade runners up)
• President 2000/01
• Junior Coordinator 2000/01 – 2003/4
• The SCC 2nd XI Best and Fairest award is named in honour of Neil.

GDCA Representation

• 1990 – 1995 Bendigo Country Week participant (incl. Captain 1991-93)
• 1989 – 1995 Melbourne Country Week
• Ballarat County Week (ad hoc appearances filling in)

We are Sunbury, hear the mighty Roar!

Sunbury Roar appoints Leo Italiano as Senior Coach!

 

The Sunbury Cricket Club is excited to announce the appointment of Leo Italiano as the senior coach for the upcoming season. Leo brings a wealth of experience both on and off the field, with over 30 years of involvement in the game.

From a playing perspective, Leo played a pivotal role at Aberfeldie Park/Moonee Ponds Cricket Club, leading the team to three premierships, two of which he captained. His impressive statistics as a player include two club championships, three batting averages, and two bowling averages throughout his career.

Off the field, Leo has achieved remarkable success as well, having served as president for 15 years and earning the title of Life Member at Aberfeldie Park/Moonee Ponds Cricket Club.

Leo brings an unmatched passion for the game, and the Sunbury Cricket Club is thrilled that he has accepted the role for the 2025/2026 season.

He looks forward to meeting with players and will play a significant role in recruiting new talent and retaining current players.

Alongside him at the club are his wife, Narelle, and their two daughters, Kara and Gabby, who also share the sporting spirit, playing representative basketball.

The Sunbury Cricket Club, its committee, and its players warmly welcome the Italiano family.

We are Sunbury, hear the mighty Roar!

Sunbury Roar T20 at Clarke this Tuesday!

 

The VTCA T20 cricket tournament is arriving in Sunbury for the first and only time this season on Tuesday afternoon, January 28th. After a strong win against East Keilor and a loss to Senior Division team St. Albans, a victory in this match could advance the Roar to the next stage of the tournament.

However, the Roar will face a tough challenge against Sydenham Hillside, a top-four team in the VTCA Senior Division. Can the Roar’s younger players rise to the occasion and pull off an upset?

Come and witness the T20 action for yourself! The game starts at 5:00 PM, but be sure to arrive early to enjoy a drink and some BBQ food.

You’ll have the chance to see Sunbury CC legend Paul Webber, who recently shone in the Victorian Over 50’s championships.

Let’s all wear our royal blue shirts and caps to support our team, enjoy the view from the licensed club room’s balcony and watch the white ball fly to all parts of the ground.

We are Sunbury, hear the mighty Roar!

Roar’s big fight back!

Courtesy Tara Murray, Star Weekly.

Sunbury pulled off a rare reverse outright win in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Steve McNamara Shield on Saturday.

It was a day of mixed fortunes for the Roar but it ended in the best possible way against the Williamstown CYMS.

Chasing 140, the Roar was bowled out for just 71 as it lost five quick wickets early on day two.

Jason McGann top scored with 23 and was the only player to score double figures.

With six points already in the bag, the CYs decided to go for the whole 10 points to try and set up their season.

They declared at 5-119 in their second innings.

McGann and Virosh Wijesinghe took two wickets each for the Roar.

It left the Roar needing 188 for a reverse outright. It was more than what the Roar had made in any innings this season.

Producing the best performance with the bat so far, the Roar finished 4-189 in 29 overs.

The Roar’s Marty Kelders said the group was thrilled to have turned things around.

“To be honest, what happened yesterday [Saturday] is very rare in cricket,” he said. “Speaking with Jason McGann and neither of us could remember it happening before.

“It’s really good to see that hard work has paid off. We have a new team.

“I think the win during the week in the T20 against East Keilor solidified the team a bit.”

Kelders said the CYs declaration was a bold one.

The Roar changed its batting order around and it paid off.

Kelders said the message was simple to the group when they went out to bat a second time.

“Play on feel and play your own game,” he said. “Opening with Mass [Indika Massalage] and Paul [Webber], they looked to take the game on and it came off.”

Massalage top scored with 66, while Webber scored 46.

Kelders said the most pleasing thing was that everyone came in and played their role.

He said seeing the younger guys step up was really pleasing.

“Jacob Caruana has come into the senior group as has Jordan Ballinger,” he said. “Virosh Wijesinghe is another and Kyle Corcoran bowled really well but it didn’t show in the figures.

“We were led by the young players.”

Kelders said the group was hoping this would build some confidence for the rest of the season.

He said they were still learning how to play with each other.

“A result like that is really lifting,” he said.

 

In the T20 competition, the Roar started well against East Keilor.

The Roar made 149 from its 20 overs with Ashan Ranaweera top-scoring with 26. East Keilor was in trouble at 8-45 before a late comeback. It fell short with East Keilor bowled out for 122. Ranaweera took 6-10 for the Roar.

In other matches….

Sunbury Roar 2nd XI continued on their winning way with another convincing win at Clarke Oval. Last week the Roar batted strongly finishing the day amassing 9/193 featuring Daniel Caruana’s 79 runs being the mainstay of the innings. Other notable performances were both Zac Corcoran and Jack McGann compiling 28 runs a piece.

Yesterday, Williamstown CYMS 2nd XI only managed 101 in reply in a one-sided affair. Starring with the ball was Mitch Johnson taking 3/36 off 10 overs.

Sunbury GDCA XI had a great win,  chasing down the 188 total set by Woodend last week. Mike Veich topped the bowling figures with 3/24 and special mention to Pat Higgins with 2/25.

But it was all to do on day two, setting up the innings was a good opening partnership between Justin Allen (16) and Patrick Higgins (55).  Young Nicolas Davies impressed with 49 and toward the end Lachlan Yardley (13*) and Robert Ballenden (6*) steered the ship home in an impressive manner.

Today Sunbury Roar Sunday Turf XI went down to Sunshine Heights Gold. the Roar made 92 with Matthew Parker (21) and Dilpreet Singe (20) top scoring. SH Gold passed the total 3 wickets down.

 

We are Sunbury, hear the mighty Roar!