All the moves: Cricket Southern Bayside’s 2025-26 recruits

From English imports to homegrown returns, we’ve rounded up all the confirmed player movements across Cricket Southern Bayside ahead of the upcoming season.

The Cricket Southern Bayside competition is set for an exciting boost in player quality in 2025-26, with clubs across the association securing a diverse mix of talent to bolster their playing lists.

From experienced English cricketers making the move Down Under to local stars returning home after successful stints abroad, the player movement market has been particularly active this off-season.

CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION

BONBEACH

The Sharks have made significant signings for the 2025-26 season, headlined by Jackson Fry’s arrival from Casey South Melbourne. The left-arm opening bowler joins as assistant coach alongside mate Luke Manders. Former Casey South Melbourne batsman Manders has committed as senior coach for three seasons, bringing Level 2 accreditation and experience coaching Melbourne Premier Cricket and Victorian Country teams. Bonny champ Tom Smith returns for his 11th consecutive season despite ACL rehabilitation, while four overseas recruits strengthen the squad: Zach Webb (Tunbridge Wells), Ewan Williams (Letchworth Garden City), Will Burston (Keynsham/Somerset pathway), and left-arm seamer Jack Collett (Sandbach Cricket Club).

Lachlan Fryer will captain Beaumaris. Picture: Valeriu Campan

BEAUMARIS

Beaumaris has acquired hard-hitting batsman and seam bowler Lucas Kennedy from Formby Cricket Club via ex-Shark Ian Cockbain. Former junior Lachie Fryer has been appointed captain, with Steve Mellick coaching. “Our ethos of nurturing home grown talent is most important,’’ Mellick said. As for Adam Bull, Beaumaris’ skipper of last season, he’s saying he’s retired. “But I don’t believe him for a second,’’ Mellick laughed. Noah Kelly returns after his stellar Driffield stint, averaging 102. Expectations are high for 2025-26.

CARNEGIE

Carnegie has announced significant appointments across playing and coaching roles for 2025-26. Charlie Hawken, a classy quick bowler from South-West England, joins as junior head coach, bringing ECB Young Coach of the Year credentials and University of Gloucestershire accolades. Saumil Patel will captain the First XI after an outstanding debut season yielding 350 runs and 21 wickets. Meanwhile, Carnegie opening bowler Kaushik Jagannathan takes the head coach role, combining his biomechanics degree with high-level playing experience. This leadership triumvirate positions Carnegie strongly for the upcoming campaign. Unfortunately Lex Middag is unable to commit to the forthcoming season after his brilliant efforts last year.

Charlie Hawken has signed at Carnegie. Picture: Facebook

DINGLEY

The Dingoes have made a statement of intent with three marquee signings ahead of their climb to Championship Division. International star Mahela Udawatte headlines the recruitment, bringing nearly 10,000 first-class runs and Sri Lankan Test experience on a two-year deal. The prolific batsman averaged 52.32 in recent DDCA competition. Club favourite Matt Hague returns to “The Den” after successful stints at Southport-Labrador and Berwick, adding proven leadership and 2019/20 premiership experience to the top order. UK all-rounder Seb Allison completes the trio, offering genuine pace bowling and batting depth after impressive performances for Northumberland and Kent’s pathway programs. This formidable combination positions Dingley as serious contenders.

Mahela Udawatte batting for Hallam Kalora last season. Valeriu Campan

MENTONE

The Tigers enter the new season with measured optimism after adding fresh talent. The club farewell overseas player Michael Waller but welcome experienced spin bowling all-rounder Lewis Evans from Shrewsbury CC in the Birmingham Premier League. Evans brings leadership credentials as captain of his English club and represents Shropshire County Cricket Club. Encouragingly, all local players have recommitted, providing vital stability. Charlie Bourne returns for his second season, offering valuable overseas experience and familiarity with local conditions. The club has also secured promising young talent for their seconds team, with Henri Cottam and Oliver Williams arriving from Lancashire League club Lowerhouse CC. This blend of experience, continuity, and youth development suggests Mentone are well-positioned for another competitive campaign.

Charles Bourne bowling for Mentone. Picture: Valeriu Campan

MORDIALLOC

Brendan Morris steps up to captain the Bloodhounds’ First XI. A true product of the Mordi pathway, Morris is a homegrown talent who came through the club’s junior ranks before making his senior debut in 2010-11 at the age of 13. A talented all-rounder, Morris plays the game with exceptional composure and a sharp tactical mind, leading by example.

MURRUMBEENA

The Beena have secured Andrew Humphries from Richmond as their new First XI captain. The experienced all-rounder played over 200 matches at Richmond, establishing himself as a key First XI member. His appointment continues a family legacy — father Bob represented Murrumbeena’s First XI 139 times (1983-1998), winning both batting and bowling averages. Meanwhile, Dan ‘Parko’ Parker has left after 13 loyal seasons. The three-time premiership player and head coach of the past three seasons is bound for Prahran.

Andrew Humphries will captain Murrumbeena. Picture: Andy Brownbill

SOUTH CAULFIELD

South have bolstered their bowling attack with Ben Parker — a former England Under 19s representative — and former St Kilda and Hampton paceman Shea Gribben. Worcestershire County Cricket Club Academy spinner Josh Leach also joins the reigning premiers. The club’s only departure from their grand final-winning side is Jak Jowett, who transferred to Rosebud. Significantly, champion player Kanishka Alvitigala has postponed retirement plans, with South Caulfield skipper Michael De Iacovo noting “The Big G Train is going around again, that’s a plus.” Luke Russell takes over as head coach for the next two seasons, leading a largely unchanged squad poised for another premiership tilt.

Shea Gribben has joined reigning premiers South Caulfield. Picture: Valeriu Campan

ST BRIGID’S ST LOUIS

Last season’s star recruit Matt Sonczak is the Saint’s new captain-coach. He dominated the Championship Division, claiming the league’s Most Valuable Player award with exceptional all-round performances. Sonczak’s impressive cricket IQ and on-field leadership credentials are matched by his outstanding character off-field.

DIVISION 1

BENTLEIGH

The Demons have assembled an impressive roster for 2025-26, headlined by Abie Sharma’s arrival from Brighton Union. The all-rounder brings Victorian Premier Cricket experience from Fitzroy-Doncaster. UK quick George Gowler joins after claiming 42 wickets last season, including a spectacular 8-16, while representing Northamptonshire CCC’s pathway. Wicket-keeper Myles Wood completes the overseas contingent, bringing sharp glovework and batting ability from Bradford Premier League. Bentleigh captain Ben Seabrook’s re-signing provides crucial continuity, with the three-time leading run-scorer set to guide another promising campaign.

HAMPTON

The Seahorses have secured four recruits for 2025-26: left-handed batsman Niall Dunn and wicket-keeper captain Tait Roberts-Hodgson from England, seam bowler Karan Choudhary studying Sports Management in Melbourne, and Delhi all-rounder Sandarbh Sud completing post-graduate studies at Deakin University. All four will contribute to junior coaching programs.

MCKINNON

After playing off in the grand final last season, McKinnon has assembled an impressive roster for 2025-26, headlined by new senior coach Sam Kindlen, whose Level 3 coaching credentials and proven track record at Ormond, Richmond and Brighton promise tactical excellence. The playing ranks have been bolstered by leg-spin bowler Lesley Smith, who represented NSW at National Indigenous Championships, Manchester top-order batsman Ryan O’Brien on his third Australian stint, and Yorkshire all-rounder Connor Fisher, whose impressive statistics across England and Australia suggest McKinnon will be competitive across all facets this season. McKinnon’s departures include Luke Heath (to Ormond), Nigel van der Wert, Uli van Duyker, Dylan Howell and Pawan Singh.

Lesley Smith has joined McKinnon. Picture: John Appleyard

PARKDALE

Parkdale has secured continuity with ex-Premier Cricket player David Nankervis’ re-appointment as head coach, following his impact on training standards and player development. Lachie Cox steps up as First XI Captain, replacing Ned Vasey who steps down due to expecting his first child. Cox brings strong leadership credentials as winter captain and vice-captain, alongside his commitment to junior development and club culture.