URGENT UPDATE: The Warrnambool Moyne and District Cricket Association has just announced its final 13-player squad for the highly anticipated Melbourne Country Week starting on February 9. This year’s team showcases a fresh lineup, emphasizing regeneration and talent development as they prepare for division two competition.
Leading the charge will be Bailey Jenkinson, all-rounder for the North Warrnambool Eels, who will captain the squad. The association has selected six debutants, including three promising players under 20: Ryan Mottram from Noorat Terang, Charlie James of Allansford-Panmure, and Gibson Perry from Nestles. First-year overseas imports Mohammad Abbas and Dilip Tharaka have also made it to the squad, reflecting their strong performance in recent matches.
WMDCA coach Jason Mungean emphasized the need for a new direction. “Over the past five or six years, the team hasn’t changed much apart from the imports. It was just time to blood some new players and start building for the next generation,” he stated. Mungean is confident that this mix of youth and experience will deliver results in Melbourne.
The squad is well-equipped, combining seasoned players like Jenkinson, veteran batter Geoff Williams, wicket-keeper Cam Williams, and all-rounder Todd Lamont, who have all participated in multiple Country Week campaigns. The team’s spin attack is particularly strong, featuring Abbas, Lamont, and Kalhan Sineth, who collectively have secured 58 premier division wickets this season.
In addition to the spin strength, the pace bowling lineup includes James, a standout from the Victoria Country under-17 team, who has taken 19 wickets this season. He will be joined by Perry, Mottram, and Dennington’s Ben Rantall, while West Warrnambool’s Joe Nyikos provides medium pace options.
Mungean is particularly excited about Perry, describing him as a “big, tall fast bowler” who has impressed in practice matches. “He’s seven-foot-tall and bowls fast,” Mungean noted, highlighting Perry’s potential to make a significant impact.
WMDCA last clinched a Country Week title in 2023, winning the division two shield before being promoted to the provincial division in 2024. After a tough season, they faced relegation at the end of the 2025 carnival. Now, the team aims to reclaim their position at the top, with Mungean confirming their goal is to win the title and return to the premier division.
The squad boasts depth in batting, with Mungean stating, “I think we bat right down to number 12. Whoever’s at number 12 is going to be no mug with the stick either.” This depth could prove crucial as they face tough opponents in Melbourne.
As the countdown to February 9 begins, cricket enthusiasts and supporters are eager to see how this new generation of talent will perform under pressure. Stay tuned for updates and results as WMDCA takes on Melbourne Country Week!
