Cricket
21 February, 2026
Ladder race heats up in last round
IN a thrilling conclusion to the 2025-26 Horsham cricket association season, two newcomers are vying for the fourth and final place.
Round 13 sees Donald Jeffcott and Swifts-Great Western on 46 points, with only the net run rate separating the two sides.
Performance in the upcoming two-day matches will determine which club qualifies for the finals.
Donald Jeffcott faces a more challenging matchup this round, hosting long-standing rivals Brim KSH (6th) at Jeffcott Oval.
In addition to home ground advantage, Donald Jeffcott previously defeated the Eagles in Round 10.
However, Brim has demonstrated the ability to cause upsets, having defeated the Bullants twice this season.
The Lions will seek an outright victory as they host the Tigers at Stawell’s Central Park.
Given the deficit in net run rate, earning 10 points from an outright win is the most probable way for the Lions to surpass Donald Jeffcott on the ladder.
The Tigers have demonstrated improvement throughout the season, including a victory over the Colts and a competitive performance against the Warriors in recent rounds.
Following their victory over West Wimmera on Sunday to secure the one-day premiership, the Bullants can finish the home and away season atop the ladder if they defeat the Warriors again at Quantong Recreation Reserve.
Conversely, the Warriors would secure the minor premiership if they win.
At Dudley Cornell Park, Laharum can advance on the ladder by defeating the Colts.
The home side has achieved two consecutive victories over the Lions and aims to conclude the season positively.
Similarly, Lubeck Murtoa will seek to finish the season with consecutive victories as they host St Mary’s, who have their final opportunity to secure a win in 2025/26.
In Round 13 of the B grade competition, West Wimmera hosts first-placed Swifts-Great Western at Davis Park, Brim KSH meets the Colts at Brim Recreation Reserve, the Bullants host the Tigers at Noradjuha Recreation Reserve, the Panthers play St Mary’s at Minyip Recreation Reserve, and Donald Jeffcott hosts the Horsham Saints at Goff Letts Oval.
In Round 15 of the C grade competition, Blackheath Dimboola hosts Quantong at Dimboola Recreation Reserve, Rhymney Moyston meets the Tigers at Gordon Street in Ararat, Homers hosts Halls Gap at Sunnyside Recreation Reserve, Horsham Saints meets Natimuk at Coughlin Park, and Swifts-Great Western faces Laharum at Great Western Recreation Reserve.