SECA signings ramp up as season approaches

South East Cricket Association awarded life membership to a Hampton United legend, while Washington Park, Bentleigh Uniting, East Sandringham, Mackie, Omega and Elwood announce signings and appointments.

Lakshan Madushanka is a terrific addition to Washington Park. Picture: Facebook

One of the SECA’s greatest servants Mark Missen received association life membership last Monday night.

The Hampton United legend and 2022-23 Hall of Fame inductee recorded remarkable career statistics: 167 games, 4631 runs, and 354 wickets.

Mark held a record nine club champion awards and is one of only two players to have captured all 10 wickets in an innings.

After retiring from playing, his dedication extended to media roles with Leader Newspaper (2005-2022) and Southern FM (1993-current).

Throughout every role he undertook with Hampton United, SECA, and Southern FM, Mark consistently displayed exceptional passion and commitment, making him a thoroughly deserving life membership recipient.

He received the award from SECA president Simon Poll.

Mark Missen received the SECA Life membership award from SECA President Simon Poll. Picture: Facebook

SHARKS LAND KEY RECRUIT

Washington Park returns to the top flight after triumphantly claiming the Woolnough Shield last season. The Sharks have bolstered their squad with exciting new recruit Lakshan Madushanka from Warrandyte — he’s a stylish top order batsman and quality off-spinner who impressed with 400 runs and 25 wickets last season. Premiership coach Swiv Heywood returns to guide the Sharks alongside experienced captain Matt Oaten, who enters his seventh season leading the side.

Lakshan Madushanka has joined Washington Park. Picture: Facebook

BEACH BOYS ANNOUNCE LEADERSHIP STRUCTURE

Elwood has announced its 2025-26 senior men’s leadership team. Jesse Barker returns as club coach after a successful debut season winning the Ray ‘Stinger’ Howard award. Lachlan Harris has been re-appointed captain following his outstanding 2024-25 campaign featuring a comp-high 517 runs at 39.7 and SECA teams recognition. Leon Harris joins as director of coaching and chairman of selectors, while Andrew Dillon steps up as assistant coach. The appointments create strong leadership structure combining experience with passionate mentorship for club development and success. Meanwhile, key players Adam Howard, Matt McNaughton, Harry Scott and Nathan Knights have all recommitted, back for another big season.

UK SEAMER JOINS ZEBRAS

UK import Jake Marshall joins East Sandringham. The talented right-arm seamer brings previous Australian experience to RG Chisholm Reserve, aiming to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact for the Zebras next season.

MACKIE LOCKS IN ‘AURA’

The dynamic Akshay “Aura” Jadhav is locked in at Mackie for 2025-26. One of SECA’s most explosive batters and fresh off a six-wicket finals haul, he’s a genuine game-changer with bat and ball. A perfect cultural fit, he’s hungry for a huge season ahead.

AGARWAL AND BECKER RE-SIGN AT OMEGA

Shubham Agarwal and Ash Becker have re-signed with Omega. The key 1st XI players return to Bricker Reserve after an outstanding 2024-25 campaigns. Agarwal blasted 107 against Mackie and was consistently in the runs. Big paceman Becker captured 24 wickets, often ripping through opposition side’s top orders.

BACK IN MAROON AND GOLD

Dylan Stephens returns to Bentleigh Uniting for 2025-26 after showcasing talents in baseball. The former U16s premiership player brings exceptional athleticism, strong work ethic and competitive edge back to his junior club, with supporters eagerly anticipating his return in maroon and gold.

EARLIER...

What a boost for Chelsea Heights-Aspendale Gardens.

CHAG have signed Kingston Hawthorn all-rounder Udara Weragala.

The 27-year-old played 19 First XI matches at the Hawks in the past three seasons after joining them from Donvale in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Associaton.

He has a highest score of 61 in Victorian Premier Cricket.

“Udara brings first XI Premier Cricket experience to go with his aggressive, hard hitting style of batting along with his ability to bowl off spin,’’ CHAG said.

“Having faced many of the best bowlers in Premier Cricket Udara will add class and exuberance to our top order batting along with wicket taking off spin to our strong bowling line up.’’

Udara Weragala bowling for Kingston Hawthorn at Mervyn Hughes Oval in Footscray. Picture: Andy Brownbil

Weragala’s signing continues a productive off-season for Chelsea Heights-Aspendale Gardens, which has also regained paceman Ethan Capp after a stint at Le Page Park and Mornington Peninsula association top order batsman Nathan Keon.

Meanwhile, East Sandringham has announced its First XI leadership team, with club stalwart Matt Harris appointed captain. He replaces Ben Pryor who has stepped aside to concentrate more on his batting.

“Matt has been a fantastic servant of our club since his junior days, developing into a premier batsman in Longmuir Shield starring in premiership teams and featuring in SECA teams of the year,’’ East Sandringham said of Harris.

Jordan Hesline will be East Sandy’s vice-captain.

“In his early seasons at the club, “Sauce” has shown that he has a fantastic cricket brain as well as exceptional leg-spin qualities,’’ the club said.

Brighton Union’s push for finals in Longmuir Shield has been boosted by a the addition of English all-rounder Seth Pickering, who hails from Yeadon Yeadon Cricket Club.

MONTGOMERY HOMECOMING BOLSTERS LIONS’ PREMIERSHIP DEFENCE

What a coup for Bentleigh Uniting! The reigning premiers have regained young paceman Connor Montgomery after three seasons at Richmond in Premier Cricket. Fast and strong, he’ll join forces with his brother Noah to spearhead a formidable Lions attack. Connor took 17 wickets at 22.47 in Richmond’s seconds last season, often ripping through top orders with hostile opening spells. He played all of his junior cricket at Bentleigh Uniting and made his 1st XI debut in the 2021-22 season, contributing to the Lions’ Longmuir Shield winning side. Bentleigh Uniting has also regained all-rounder Lachlan Still, fresh from playing in a premiership with Broadbeach in Queensland.

BURRAS SECURE RODRIGO

Kingston Heath has re-signed Lakshina Rodrigo for another season. He will form a key part of a talented Burras top order headed by Nathaniel D’ Rozario and Andrew Birt.

LIONS BOLSTER SQUAD FOR TITLE DEFENCE

Reigning premiers Bentleigh Uniting has secured all-rounder Seaver Cowley, fresh from his match-winning performance in Thomson’s Geelong Cricket Association grand final triumph. Cowley’s 33 and impressive 5-52 off 20 overs showcase the firepower he brings to Bentleigh Uniting.

The Lions have also retained their core, with team of the year gun Craig Short, Jacob Gray and Liam Manakis all recommitting. This blend of fresh talent and established stars sets Bentleigh Uniting up for a strong title defence in the upcoming season.

Uniting has also picked up teenage wicketkeeper-batsman Phil Galanopoulos, brother of captain-coach Lukas Galanopoulos. He joins from Prahran, bringing his Brighton Grammar School experience to the Lions’ den.

FRAWLEY RETURNS TO LEAD MACKIE’S PREMIERSHIP PUSH

Sam Frawley has recommitted to Mackie, signing on as captain-coach for another season. The former Pearcedale paceman’s decision comes after a stellar debut campaign that saw him claim the prestigious SECA Woolnough Shield Player of the Year award.

Frawley’s impact was undeniable, with a terrific all-round performance of 29 wickets at an average of 15, complemented by 282 runs at a solid 40. His leadership was instrumental in guiding Mackie to the grand final, leaving the club hungry for ultimate success in the upcoming season.

“We couldn’t be prouder to have this guy as part of the Mackie family,” the club shared on social media, highlighting Frawley’s importance both on and off the field.