As temperatures rise, Sydney’s kings of the turf are dusting off their kits in anticipation of another bumper Sydney Shires cricket season.
Boasting international talent and former stars of NSW Premier Cricket, the first-grade competition gets underway on Saturday, September 26, as reigning premiers Warringah take guard to defend the prestigious RB Clark Cup.
Featuring 13 teams from across the metropolitan area, we have reached out to every club for a look under the hood before the action begins. In our ultimate season preview, we unpack the major ins and outs for each side and shine a light on more than 50 players to watch.
JUMP TO
Auburn – Balmain South Sydney – Briars – Epping – Georges River – Lane Cove – Lindfield – Mt Pritchard – North West – Pennant Hills – Roseville – Strathfield – Warringah
AUBURN
Last season: 9th
Major signings: Nil
Major departures: Dayle Carew (Wollongong)
Why they will be competitive: Boasting a mix of youth and experienced players, Auburn expects to be very competitive this season. However, in a major blow in the countdown to the opening round, former St George first-grade all-rounder Dayle Carew announced his decision to head south and play in the Wollongong competition.
Players to watch: Captain Alex Daniels will be relying on four former Premier Cricket top-graders to initiate the bulk of the heavy lifting this summer.
Rehan Anjum once again anchors the batting at the top of the order. With the ball, Shaun Cleasby brings genuine pace and can expect solid support from pace-bowling all-rounder Sajjad Qaiser, while club stalwart Mohamed Dewji provides guile with his left-arm finger-spin.
The club is confident that a blend of experience and emerging talent – such as talented right-arm pace-bowling all-rounder Zain Ali Mahavia – will ensure the side remains highly competitive this season.
BALMAIN SOUTH SYDNEY
Last season: 8th
Major signings: Matt Coles, Tahmidul Islam (returns, former Shires Player of the Year), Matt Wykniet (returns from football stint in Berlin)
Major departures: Asad Usman, Amanjyot Singh
Why they will be competitive: The departure of Asad Usman – last season’s leading run-scorer – extends a transition period from the past couple of seasons that continues to open doors for the club’s rising young stars.
In addition to the promotion of second-grade talent, the return of experienced players like Tahmid Islam and Matt Wykniet has raised hopes ahead of the new season.
Crucial in the rebuild, Ankit Patel (ex-UNSW) returns to lead the team in its quest for a finals return.
Players to watch:
A veteran of NSW Premier Cricket, Matt Coles brings stability and professionalism to a top order that includes a fully focused Ishmam Masud, who spent a large part of last season’s campaign preparing for his wedding.
Stacked with all-round quality, off-spinner Naba-Allah Haider is expected to take his batting to another level.
Noted for his expert skills as a goalkeeper, Matt Wykniet is known in the Shires ranks for his fast-mediums. Refreshed and hungrier than ever, the returning right-hander is also eyeing a spot in the top six.
Resident Pom Michael Harris is a top-order lefty with Sussex Premier League experience. Better for last season’s run after a three-year break, his encouraging pre-season form bodes well.
BURWOOD BRIARS
Last season: Runner-up (reached GF from 5th)
Major signings: Ravi Ravi (Lane Cove)
Major departures: Andrew Jalalaty, Thomas Moffitt
Why they will be competitive: Traditionally near the summit of the Shires pecking order, Briars have contested the past six deciders. Last season’s leading run-scorer and captain, Brenton Wright, believes his squad has what it takes to rebound from their grand final heartache and claim the ultimate prize.
Players to watch: Arguably the signing of the season, Briars have snared the services of Ravi Ravi from Lane Cove. Among the frontline spearheads in the competition, the right-arm seamer will have a major impact if he can repeat the form that saw him take 43 wickets last summer.
Known for his outstanding strike power, opener Max Squire will be out to improve on last season’s tally of 320 runs. Aidan Gardner is another player primed to impress; handy in the middle order, the right-hander is headed for a big season.
Sidelined by injury last season, Jack Kovacic is back with the new ball. Fit and firing, the left-armer’s combination with Ravi Ravi is poised to break open games within the first 10 overs.
EPPING BULLS
Last season: 7th
Major signings: Harry Temperton (Derbyshire), Joe Thorne (returns, Newcastle and Hartshill CC – UK)
Major departures: No major departures with both overseas players from last season returning.
Why they will be competitive: After a positive pre-season, Nick Everitt leads a squad eager to push for a top-six berth. Set to face reigning champions Warringah in the opening round, it won’t take the Bulls long to find out where they sit.
Players to watch: Quality in the top order, Nick Everitt brings experience from UNSW and is eyeing a dominant season.
In his first overseas posting, Derbyshire gloveman Harry Temperton will be eager to make an early impression behind the stumps and with the bat. After leading the run-scoring (382) in his first season, Felix Booth delivered on his reputation from Gordon; handy with the ball, look for him to come on as first or second change.
In a major blow, last year’s leading wicket-taker, Billy McCarthy, is expected to be unavailable until close to Christmas after the off-spinner came away second best in a soccer mishap.
On the plus side, opening bowler and overseas recruit Joe Thorne returns after a strong campaign last year.
GEORGES RIVER
Last season: 6th
Major signings: Nil
Major departures: Daniel Yates (part-time)
Why they will be competitive: While Georges River haven’t recruited from beyond the boundaries of their picturesque home ground, Bexley Oval – once again crowned Ground of the Year – the club is excited to promote talent from within.
Buoyed by a strong finish to last season and a successful pre-season, the squad will receive an even greater boost when Shires Player of the Year Jake Wilson returns to the Baggy Blues after completing bowling duties overseas with the England Over-40s team.
The team also expects to be without stalwart Daniel Yates early on following the arrival of his first child in the off-season. However, opposition teams shouldn’t breathe too easily just yet, with hopes remaining that “Yatesy” will make several appearances throughout the campaign.
Players to watch: A power-hitting middle-order batsman and strong fielder, Andrew McGuinness’s passion for cricket now has competition following a new romance. However, the club expects this to work in the team’s favour, anticipating “Gabbo” will be tucked up safely at home on Friday nights.
A leading bowler in the competition, Aaron Johnston is looking to carry his strong form into the new season. “Cecil” spent the winter in a rigorous high-performance program consisting primarily of golf and absolutely no cricket. He returns refreshed, expecting to hit plenty of batsmen on the front pad this summer.
Last summer, Ben “Tuesday” Knight spent his first full season behind the stumps in first grade. Following an impressive finish to the campaign, Ben’s glove-work is expected to elevate the team’s standard and provide a massive boost to the bowling unit through his relentless pressure behind the stumps
LANE COVE
Last season: 4th
Major signings: Mackenzie Jones (Essex – UK), Thomas Harper (Loughborough University – UK)
Major departures: Greg Hunt (Fairfield-Liverpool), Michael Bryant (retired), Ravi Ravi (Burwood Briars), Lachlan Roughley (injured)
Why they will be competitive: Despite the departure of several stars, including leading wicket-taker Ravi Ravi and top run-scorer Greg Hunt, Lane Cove will count on its depth and astute signings to fill the void.
Boasting a young squad dominated by homegrown talent, including several second-graders keen to make an impression, Lane Cove are once again expected to be in the finals mix.
Players to watch: Still only 21, Mackenzie Jones arrives from Essex having had a taste of the international stage with Scotland in the T20 and ODI formats. A right-arm quick, he is also expected to add value in the middle order.
Thomas Harper arrives in Australia for the first time, looking to develop his skills as a crafty off-spinner and promising top-order batsman.
With big boots to fill, Angus Mackay is set to take the new ball following the departure of Ravi Ravi. Plagued by an early-season injury, however, the left-arm quick will have to wait a while before making his mark.
LINDFIELD
Last season: Second
Major signings: Vaibhav Garimella (Sidcup CC – UK), Harry Jackson (Beddington CC – UK), Benjamin Shufflebotham (Skelmanthorpe CC -UK), Joshua Trewin (returns), Luke Watson (Tasmania)
Major departures: James Dallaway (UK), Lasanga Kannangara, Rhodri Williams (overseas), Theo Wylie (UK – recently fielded as a substitute for England in a Test v Pakistan)
Why they will be competitive: The first-grade squad is shaping up nicely for another strong season at Lindfield. Boasting a proven track record – with two overseas recruits from the past four seasons going on to play for England – the club is eager to see what this summer’s signings can deliver.
A trial game against cross-town rivals Roseville has kickstarted their campaign, driven by a clear hunger to improve on last season’s second-place finish
Players to watch: Dynamite with the ball last season, Simon Read compiled a scarcely believable 50 wickets. The prominent right-arm paceman has played Premier Cricket with Gordon and once achieved the ultimate feat for Lindfield, taking all 10 wickets in an innings.
Scoring more than 700 runs, Oliver Clarke was named alongside Read in last season’s Shires Team of the Year. Nearly unstoppable, he cracked four centuries.
All-rounder Anuk Palihawadana is another player to watch. The right-hander suits up for his second season at the club and is a proven wicket-taker with his off-spin.
MT PRITCHARD SOUTHERN DISTRICTS
Last season: 12th
Major signings: Nasir Jalil (returns)
Major departures: Basit Ali, Pardeep Chaudhary, Rocco Ferraro
Why they will be competitive: With a renewed focus on youth and a successful pathways program, this season’s Mounties line-up features plenty of local juniors. Led by veterans Nasir Jalil and Yasir Ali, alongside emerging talent rising through the club’s junior ranks, the squad boasts a balanced mix of experience and youthful exuberance.
Players to watch: Hard-hitting captain Nasir Jalil returns to Mounties after starring in Australia’s Over-40s World Cup triumph. A force to be reckoned with, the respected skipper typically churns out 400 to 500 runs per season.
A local junior, Saif Raza is reliable at the top of the order, while the talented Osman Tawakal brings Premier Cricket experience to the middle order.
Another product of the Mounties nursery, Shayan Raza — the youngest of the Raza brothers — is a right-arm leg-spinner with explosive capabilities in the middle order.
NORTH WEST SYDNEY
Last season: 3rd
Major signings: Kunj Changela (Blacktown), Joe Hawkins (Derbyshire – UK)
Major departures: Zulfiqar Salahuddin (Hawkesbury)
Why they will be competitive: North West weren’t far off the pace last season, and had reason to celebrate after claiming the Limited Overs trophy. Set to field a similar line-up with the added strength of two boom recruits, new coach Corey Lowe has the makings of a premiership squad.
Players to watch: One of two massive signings, Joe Hawkins is a 19-year-old off-spinner who has already had a taste of County cricket with Derbyshire. With the bat, Kunj Changela is well known in the Premier Cricket ranks and arrives from Blacktown after passing fifty on three occasions in first-grade last season.
Harvey Cutmore returns from England after dominating for the Hurricanes last summer with more than 500 runs and 33 wickets. Although, an injury is expected to stall the leg-spinner’s start to the season.
A rock at the top of the order, Aneesh Kaul will be eager to once again top 350 runs for the season. In a side stacked with spin options, captain Jack Hansen – a former Shires player of the year – combines off-spin with a calming presence in the middle order.
A big game player, Blair Overton held his nerve to bowl North West to victory in last season’s limited overs grand final, and in the Under-24s decider, he led the team to the title with an unbeaten ton.
Navin Soma Sundaram is a pace bowler to keep an eye on. Consistent in seconds last season, he’s expected to be given a chance in the top grade.
PENNANT HILLS
Last season: 13th
ROSEVILLE
Last season: 11th
Major signings: Geeshath Panditharatne (Pennant Hills), Nathan Fox (UK)
Major departures: Pat Gall, Anton Maheswaran, Rama Krovi, Harrison Lucas, Julian Laird (returned to UK), Thomas Donnolly (returned to UK)
Why they will be competitive: Following the departure of six experienced first-graders, Roseville will feature plenty of new faces this season, rewarding several players from second grade following their minor premiership success last year.
The club has bolstered its ranks by recruiting seasoned campaigners from rival clubs while welcoming back several younger talents. Stepping into the leadership role is Craig Warren, who captained the second-grade side last season.
Players to watch: Geeshat Panditharatne boasts a first-class century in Sri Lanka and will add plenty of value with his respected leg-spin.
Calm and calculated, Craig Warren steps up to the top grade and is considered the ideal leader for a young Roseville squad.
One of several youngsters rising through the ranks, Josh Streffner is a promising paceman and the club’s new Frank Gray (Under-24s) skipper. Looking stronger every season, the added responsibility could bring out his best.
A promising young gun from England, Nathan Fox bolsters the all-rounder stocks and is expected to play a leading role in the middle order with both bat and ball.
STRATHFIELD
Last season: 10th
Major signings: Matt Giumelli (Parramatta)
Major departures: Nil
Why they will be competitive: The Gorillas begin the new season with a one-day fixture against neighbours Auburn, and there is a genuine sense of optimism.
Determined to put last year in the rearview mirror, the club has signed former Parramatta premiership winner Matt Giumelli to lead the rescue mission. Parramatta’s Cricketer of the Year last season, the all-rounder brings proven leadership and a winning culture.
Boasting an international flavour, Strathfield has attracted a wave of talented Nepalese cricketers – some with international experience – ahead of what shapes as a season to remember.
Players to watch: A powerful right-hander and dependable medium-pacer, Matt Giumelli produced 533 runs and 18 wickets for Parramatta across second and third grade in 2025/26.
One of the leading players in the Shires competition, Tanzeelur Rahman is a dangerous right-hander in the middle order. Veteran Paul Donovan has relinquished the captaincy but will continue to take guard at the top of the order.
A former Bangladesh first-class cricketer, Ariful Hasan Sobuj snared 29 wickets with the new ball last year — the most for Strathfield. Humza Naveed is a left-hand batsman who was among the team’s best with the ball, bowling his right-arm off-spin.
WARRINGAH
Last season: Premiers
Major signings: Chris Jones (returns, Normandy CC – UK), Will Valentine (Alderley Edge CC – UK)
Major departures: Nil
Why they will be competitive: Just about everything Warringah touched turned to gold last season. In a historic clean sweep, the Club Championship winners hoisted the trophy in the top four grades and broke a first-grade premiership drought dating back to 1989.
Driven by that success, little has changed in the off-season, and skipper Hamish Ferguson will front a nearly identical squad in the club’s quest for maiden back-to-back titles.
In fact, heading into Round 1, the federal government’s visa crackdown is the only thing holding Warringah back, as their two English imports continue their battle for clearance.
Players to watch: With a century in last season’s grand final victory, Chris Jones was unmatched for runs in a dominant Warringah line-up. The Englishman also picked up vital wickets with his off-spin.
Another addition from the UK, Will Valentine is a dual threat with the new ball and in the middle order.
Of the locals, left-hander Sam Barnett almost crashed through the 500-run barrier last year. With the ball, teenage quick Pat Day lit up the finals with bags of five in each outing. Still only 19, the dual-code sensation returns bigger and stronger after a season playing Australian rules.