It's finals time Bentleigh Uniting!
As summer reaches its peak, so does the excitement at Centenary Park! Finals have arrived and our teams are primed for a big finish to the season. From thrilling performances across all grades to key milestones and the continued rise of our junior and women’s programs, there’s plenty to celebrate in the maroon and gold.
In this edition, we’ll preview the upcoming finals and recap recent match highlights! Whether it's the Longmuir Shield side charging toward glory or our junior stars making their mark, there’s no shortage of action.
We’re also in full swing with the Toyota Good for Cricket Raffle! Support BUCC and grab your tickets for a shot at winning a brand-new car: Toyota Good for Cricket Raffle.
Stay tuned as The Centenary Roar keeps you updated on all the finals action, club celebrations, and the incredible community spirit that makes BUCC special!
Junior Cricket Update: Rising stars still in the fight
It’s been a season to remember for our junior stars, with plenty of highlights across the grades. Leading the charge, our Rookies have been nothing short of unstoppable, going undefeated throughout the season! Their enthusiasm, teamwork, and love for the game have been incredible to watch, and they’ve set a fantastic foundation for the future of BUCC.
Our 12A side has taken huge strides this season, showing remarkable improvement with every game. Their commitment to training and willingness to learn has paid off, with some standout performances along the way. The progress this group has made is a testament to their dedication—and the best is yet to come!
Meanwhile, our U14s have shown resilience and determination through a challenging season. They’ve faced tough opposition week in and week out, but their grit and never-give-up attitude have been truly inspiring. A special mention to Ethan Jowett who finished second in the division for wickets taken!
Every game has been a chance to grow, and the experience gained this season will only make them stronger in the years ahead.
No matter the results, every junior Lion has played a key role in making this season special. The future is bright at BUCC!
Under Sixteens Finals Preview
With head coach Harry Zaia and assistant coach James Still leading the way—both key players in our Quiney Shield side—the BUCC U16s have had a strong season, finishing third and earning a well-deserved spot in the finals.
Last Friday night, the team put in a solid batting performance against Brighton Union, and they’ll be looking to build on that effort when they take the field again this week. With Elwood and Brighton Union finishing above them, the challenge is set, but this squad has the talent, grit, and determination to make a real impact in the finals series.
With a deep bowling attack, strong middle order, and great leadership, this group is ready to take on whatever comes next. Get around them as they push for a shot at the U16 premiership! 🦁💛❤️
Under Twelve C Finals Preview
Under the guidance of club favourite Rowan Thiedeman, our 12C side has had a fantastic season, securing second place heading into finals. With a strong team spirit and plenty of improvement throughout the year, these young Lions are ready to make their mark in the knockout rounds.
Bonbeach YCW finished on top and have been a tough opponent all season, but BUCC has proven they can match it with the best. After a strong start against St Brigid’s St Louis last weekend, the team has plenty of momentum heading into the finals.
With a balanced squad, determined attitude, and the leadership of Rowan, this group has all the ingredients for a deep finals run. Keep an eye on them as they push for grand final glory in the coming weeks! 🦁💛❤️
Pride of the Lions: Men’s Teams Update
With the home-and-away season wrapping up, our senior men’s teams are gearing up for a huge finals campaign. Strong performances across the grades have put BUCC in a great position, with plenty of exciting cricket still to come. From the Longmuir Shield side leading the charge to our lower grades fighting hard for a shot at glory, every team has played their part in a fantastic season so far.
Longmuir Shield
The 1st XI had an outstanding season, showcasing the strength and depth of Bentleigh Uniting Cricket Club. At one point, they strung together an incredible nine-game winning streak, securing a well-deserved finals berth and only narrowly missing a top-two finish on percentage.
Under the leadership of new captain-coach Lukas Galanopoulos, the side has embraced a fast, fearless, and team-first approach to cricket. With a blend of emerging talent and experienced heads, the team has played an exciting brand of cricket, proving they can compete with the best in the Longmuir Shield.
The squad’s young core has stepped up throughout the season, thriving under pressure and showing the composure needed to perform on the big stage. With a strong mix of batting firepower, disciplined bowling, and dynamic fielding, the 1st XI has built momentum at the perfect time, ready to take on the finals challenge with confidence.
Quiney Shield
The 2nd XI has put together a strong season and now turns its attention to a massive qualifying final against Omega. With a two-day format, patience, discipline, and execution will be key as they look to secure a spot in the next stage of the finals.
Unfortunately, the team will be without key all-rounder Harry Zaia, who is sidelined with a knee injury. His leadership and contributions will be missed, but the squad has plenty of depth to step up in his absence.
Throughout the season, Ethan Manakis and Aaron Swann have been standout performers, delivering consistently with bat and ball when it matters most. The team has also been bolstered by the efforts of young talent like Brodie Downes, who has shown maturity beyond his years and will be eager to make an impact on the finals stage.
With a well-balanced lineup featuring experience, youth, and a determined mindset, the 2nd XI is ready for the challenge ahead. If they bring their best cricket to Mackie Road Reserve this weekend, they have every chance of securing a crucial win and pushing deep into the finals series.
H Grade
The 3rd XI has enjoyed a fantastic season, with a diverse squad featuring a great mix of experience and youth. Throughout the year, a variety of players have stepped up when needed, making valuable contributions and showcasing the team’s depth and resilience.
Finishing in 2nd place is a testament to the group’s consistency and determination, putting them in a strong position heading into finals. With momentum on their side and a well-rounded team, they have every chance to take out this weekend’s first final.
Finals cricket is all about seizing the moment, and if the 3rd XI brings their best over the next two weeks, there’s no reason they can’t go all the way and claim the premiership!
K Grade
After a tough start to the season—two forfeits, two draws, two losses, and three wins—the 4th XI found themselves sitting in 8th place at the Christmas break.
Since then, the team has been unstoppable, stringing together six consecutive wins to surge into the top four, even toppling the ladder leaders along the way.
With a steady opening presence from Joe Aloi, the emerging talent of Tom D’Zilva, and the class of John Guttman, the batting unit is well-balanced. Add in the striking power of Luke Goddard and the experience of Dave Bregazzi, and the team has the confidence to both set and chase competitive totals.
Our bowling attack, led by the accuracy of Dave Bregazzi and Lachlan Robinson, is complemented by Guttman’s contributions and a committed fielding group full of youthful energy. Defending a total is a key strength, and the team takes pride in its discipline and pressure in the field.
Hitting peak form at the right time, the 4th XI is gelling together and ready for the challenges ahead.
Lionesses on the Rise: Senior Women’s Update
The 2024/25 season was a historic one for Bentleigh Uniting Cricket Club as we proudly launched our inaugural women’s team. It has been an incredible journey filled with growth, learning, and teamwork, and as co-captains, Sophie James and I, Kate Williamson, couldn’t be prouder of what this group has achieved. Under the guidance of our head coach, Ian Radlow, our focus was on developing fundamental cricket skills for every player, regardless of experience, and the improvement across the team has been remarkable.
From the first training session to the final game, we saw players grow in confidence and ability. Some came in with little to no cricket experience, and by season’s end, they were confidently batting, bowling, and fielding under pressure. The commitment and determination shown by every team member have been inspiring. More than just skill development, we built a strong and supportive team culture, forming friendships and a love for the game that will last well beyond this season.
Unfortunately, we had some tough luck with the weather this season, with several games being called off due to rain. While it was frustrating to miss out on valuable match experience, the team remained positive, using training sessions to continue improving and making the most of every opportunity we had to play.
One of the biggest highlights was securing our second win of the season against one of the top teams, a true testament to how far we had come. That victory wasn’t just about the scoreboard; it was about the belief, hard work, and teamwork that had been building all season. It proved that we could compete at a high level and set a new standard for what’s possible moving forward.
A massive thank you to our coaches, families, supporters, and every player who made this season so special. The foundation has been set, and this is just the beginning. With the progress we’ve made and the passion we’ve built, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for Bentleigh Uniting Women’s Cricket!
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Great work Units! Let's see if we can bring home some silverware this season.
Don't forget our littlest lion cubs in the Blasters - thanks to Pranay & Aaron for running this program this season. Arguably the most important group for the future of our club - let's make sure the future is strong at Uniting