Sport

Echuca lifts trophy after drawn final

By Matthew Kappos

Mar 11, 2026

Minor premier Echuca lifted the Peter Raglus D-grade shield after the grand final with Stanhope finished tied. Photo: Echuca Cricket Club. Photo by Supplied

Echuca did exactly what was required, and no more, to lift the Peter Raglus D-grade shield in a thrilling final against Stanhope at the weekend.

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Goulburn Murray Cricket grand finals were contested on Saturday, with the D-grade decider, held at Brose Recreation Reserve in Tongala, finishing tied, resulting in minor premier Echuca being declared champion.

Either side could easily have claimed the outright victory in a frenetic final over.

Kai Maddox was Echuca’s best with the ball. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Chasing Stanhope’s 159, Echuca came into the 36th and last over needing just two runs to level scores, or three to pick up the win, but with only two wickets in the sheds.

Jacob Gillie bowled the over well for Stanhope, not giving up a run until ball three, leaving Echuca down one with three balls remaining.

Kai Maddox was run out trying to scramble through for the tying run, sending number 11 Kate Carlile to the crease to face up to the penultimate delivery.

Ash Smith unleashes a rocket. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Carlile held her nerve, finding the all important single to level the scores, before Jamie Scott survived the final ball to see both sides finish on 159.

League rules dictate that in the case of a tie in the finals, the higher ranked side is declared the winner, and, as the 10-0 minor premier, Echuca was awarded the title.

Earlier, Stanhope’s batting was held together by Wade Foley (50 retired not out) and Jacob Gillie (35).

Wade Foley helped Stanhope build a strong total, retiring with a half-century. Photos: Jordan Townrow.

Kai Maddox was Echuca’s best with the ball, taking 3-44, while Jason Gould snagged two wickets and Ash Smith one.

Jamie Scott initially retired for Echuca in its batting innings, but was recalled as wickets began to run short, finishing 52 not out.

Jamie Scott was Echuca’s top scorer with the bat Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Opener Smith also made a strong contribution of 42.

The trio of Shannon Aynsley, Manojkumarchowdary Boddu and Cooper Fisher almost saw Stanhope to the win, each taking two wickets.

The Game

Stanhope 7-159 (Wade Fley 50 retired, Jacob Gillie 35, Kai Maddox 3-44) tied with Echuca 9-159 (Jamie Scott 52 not out, Ash Smith 42, Shannon Aynsley 2-12). (Echuca awarded premiership)