Premier Cricket 2025-26: Lachlan Bangs returns to Prahran, headlines Ringwood departures

A heavy-hitting all-rounder has returned to a Premier Cricket rival among a swag of list changes at Ringwood. Latest here.

Lachlan Bangs has returned to Prahran. Picture: Valeriu Campan

Ringwood is confident it can overcome his loss amid a raft of departures.

Heavy-hitting all-rounder Lachie Bangs has returned to Premier Cricket rival Prahran following two seasons at Russell Lucas Oval.

Crossing to the Rams in July 2023, the True Blues’ 2020-21 premiership winner took in 294 runs last season following 478 in 2023-24.

The 26-year-old’s whirlwind stay even produced one of the greatest Premier batting performances in a losing First XI final, with a 150 knock against Carlton.

Ringwood captain David King said while Bangs’ move would be felt, the South Yarra local’s decision was met with the club’s understanding.

“It’s a big loss … and it’s disappointing he’s decided to go back to Prahran, but he was open about it – a big part of it is the travel to come up three times a week,” King said.

“He’s also close with Justin Graham who’s back as coach at Prahran – those two reasons were difficult to compete with.

“He loved his time at Ringwood and we have nothing but kind words about him.”

Meanwhile, Prateek Patil has stepped away from Premier Cricket citing growing work commitments.

“He’s played around 50 games in the ones for us in the last few years, finished in the seconds last year but he was still an important player for us and another spin option,” King said.

Ethan Walker (Vermont), Clayton Henderson (South Croydon), Tom Humphries and Jordan Roberts (coach, Templeton) are also among the exits.

“You always have some turnover of players, and often it’s the ones in the twos or on the fringe, so it’s disappointing to lose some good people as well,” King said.

“But it gives an opportunity to whoever wants to come up next – we’re hoping a few of the younger guys who are another year older can come in and take their opportunity.

“If we can get guys like (all-rounder) Ian Holland and (Victorian batter) Tom Rogers, that’ll also be a bonus as well.”

English cricketer Patty Gouge has put pen to paper, following a 592-run, premiership-winning season with East Malvern Tooronga in the Eastern Cricket Association. The Jersey international top-scored in the grand final with 48, took two catches and claimed a direct hit run-out of the opposition captain in a game-changing display. Batting option Trent Wynne is also said to be returning following a stint at Heathmont.

The Rams hit last season’s finals as one of the form teams, finishing fifth – and missing the top four by a run – before a cruel semi-final draw with the Camberwell Magpies spelt curtains on their campaign.

King was confident the club’s emerging batch could step up this season.

“These young guys are now 19, 20 and hopefully (they’ll) be able to take that next step – which we do think we’ve got a few who can do that,” he said.

“I still think we’re in a window where we can compete, so we are going to need those numbers we lose from Bangs made up for – hopefully those young fellas do that.”