The Western Carnival, a prestigious event in the junior cricket calendar, has a rich history of showcasing emerging talent from across the region. Held annually, this carnival brings together the best young cricketers to compete in a series of matches that highlight their skills and sportsmanship. The carnival has been a stepping stone for many players who have gone on to achieve great success in higher levels of cricket.
This year, Cricket ACT is proudly represented by three teams: two from the U14 Male Development Pathway and one from the U14 Female Development Pathway. There are a further two ACT-based teams competing in the U15 mixed draw, one from Radford College and a team representing the Canberra Rhinos.
ACT Girls
- Aishani Sangam
- Amelie Smith
- Anaya Siddhartha
- Anika Jaidi
- Eve Smith
- Frances Chevalier
- Iolanthe Thompson
- Poppy Tucker
- Sofia Strachan
- Swairee Rajapaksha
- Tahlia Smith
- Veronica Graak
- Augusta Harrison
ACT Gold-Boys
- Yaksh Patel
- Lachlan Miller
- Abhinoor Deo
- Luca Ciocca-Marchant
- Mitchell Power
- Pratham Dakwala
- Byron Wright
- Kalindu Karunaratne
- Rhys Gray
- Aiden McPhillips
- Luc Tipping
- Matthew Kumarasinhe
ACT Blue-Boys
- Efrem Tijo
- Karthikeya Govada
- Kunwarbir Dhillon
- Joshua John Jinoy
- Preston Singer
- Griffin Hyde
- Archie Brown
- Jack Smedley
- Oliver Radford
- Paddy Reid
- Isaac White
- Lucas Lapthorne
Round 1 Highlighted with a Dominant Victory by the ACT Girls!
ACT Girls vs Hunter Thoroughbreds
The U14 Female Development Pathway team from the ACT played against Hunter Thoroughbreds in their opening 40-over match. Batting first, the ACT team scored 8/146 runs, with Frances Chevalier top-scoring with 85 not out. In response, the Hunter Thoroughbreds were all out for 53, thanks to an outstanding bowling performance from all players. Eve Smith led the way with 3 for 3 from 4 overs, including 2 maidens. The girls face Western on day 2.
ACT Gold-Boys vs Western Sydney Allies
ACT Gold faced off against Western Sydney Allies in their opening fixture. Batting first, the Allies posted a challenging target of 9/219 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Leading the bowling was Abhinoor Deo with 3/47 from 10 overs, supported well by Luc Tipping (1/22), Matthew Kumarasinhe (2/54), and Kalindu Karunaratne (2/30). The ACT Gold batting innings was led by Mitch Power with 49 and a quickfire knock from Luca Ciocca-Marchant with 34 from 39 balls, but it wasn’t enough as the side was all out for 192 in the 50th over.
ACT Blue-Boys vs Blacktown Warriors U15
ACT Blue opened their campaign against Blacktown Warriors. Batting first, the Warriors posted a challenging target of 8/206 runs in their allotted 50 overs. Leading the bowling was Archie Browne with 2/35 from 9 overs, supported by all of the bowlers with wickets shared. The ACT Blue batting innings was highlighted by Isaac White's 78 from 86 balls. Unfortunately, the boys were unable to reel in the target, losing wickets consistently to be all out for 168 in the 43rd over, 38 runs short.
Round 2 - Rain the Winner on Day 2
ACT Girls vs Western
The U14 Female Development Pathway team from the ACT played against Western in Round 2 and were defeated via DLS. Batting first, Western were all out for 170, with Eve Smith, Ioanthe Thompson, and Anika Jaidi each taking 2 wickets. When play was abandoned, the ACT girls were 4/59 from 21.2 overs.
ACT Gold Boys vs Newcastle Blasters
ACT Gold were pitted against one of the strongest teams in the competition in Round 2. ACT Gold batted first, but through some tight and accurate bowling, they never gained any real momentum and were bowled out for 41 in the 30th over. In response, the team from Newcastle easily knocked off the target in 7 overs for the loss of 1 wicket.
ACT Blue Boys vs Dubbo U15s
ACT Blue faced off with the Dubbo U15s in another match decided by DLS. Batting first, Dubbo posted an imposing target of 6/192 runs in their reduced innings of 42 overs. Paddy Reid, with 2/44 from 9 overs, was well supported by all bowlers, with the other 4 wickets shared. At 3/38 after 17 overs in ACT's batting innings, the match was abandoned, resulting in a DLS victory for the Dubbo team.
Round 3 - ACT Boys Secure first wins in Orange!
ACT Girls vs Newcastle Girls
The ACT Girls faced Newcastle Girls in Round 3 and were defeated. Batting first, Newcastle Girls posted a total of 153 in 34.1 overs. Aishani Sangam was impressive with the ball, taking 2/26 from her 6 overs, while Frances Chevalier also contributed with 2/6 from 3 overs. In response, the ACT Girls were all out for 80 in 27.3 overs, with Aishani Sangam top-scoring with 23 runs.
ACT Blue Boys vs Orange U15 Boys
ACT Blue Boys secured a victory against Orange U15 Boys in Round 3. Orange batted first and were bowled out for 132 in 39.2 overs, thanks to a stellar bowling performance by Kunwar Dhillon, who took 6/13 from 7.2 overs, and Jack Smedley, who chipped in with 2/10 from 5 overs. In reply, ACT Blue chased down the target, finishing at 4/133 in 36.1 overs. Archie Browne remained unbeaten on 61, while Kunwar Dhillon also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring 51.
ACT Gold Boys vs Central Coast U15 Boys
ACT Gold Boys emerged victorious against Central Coast U15 Boys in Round 3. Batting first, ACT Gold posted a total of 9/142 in their 50 overs, with Mitch Power scoring 58 and Luc Tipping remaining not out on 39. In response, Central Coast were bowled out for 85 in 39.2 overs. Abhinoor Deo was the standout bowler, taking 5/19 from his 10 overs, while Kalindu Karunaratne supported well with 2/7 from 5.2 overs. In another notable performance Mark Browne representing Radford College picked up 5/45 from his 9 overs in their 3rd round loss to a strong Hawkesbury outfit.