On March 2, 2025, the Australian National University (ANU) Cricket Club celebrated a historic first, winning the John Gallop Cup for the first time since the 1996/97 season. The final against the Tuggeranong Valley Cricket Club (TVCC) was a thrilling match played at Chisholm Oval.
The John Gallop Cup is the premier one-day cricket competition in the ACT, named in honour of John Gallop, a former ACT Cricket Association President and distinguished cricketer.
Vice-Captain of the ANU Cricket Club, Felix Bennett, claimed that the victory was one to remember.
“We haven’t won anything in a long time. We haven’t made a final in a long time. So, to get over that hump was pretty surreal. There were a few guys at the club who have been there since we won the last one, and I think that was pretty special for them. We are a pretty young club, no one was around back when we previously won, but everyone sort of knew the significance of it and yeah, we definitely enjoyed ourselves.” Bennett told Cricket ACT.
ANU, finishing the regular season in fourth place, showcased aggressive batting and disciplined bowling throughout the tournament. Their victory ended a 29-year title drought.
“I think that at the start of the season, we started off really slow. Which I think we all were a bit disappointed by, but it kind of allowed us to learn a few things that we really needed to in order to win a few of the big games that we probably hadn’t in the past.” Bennett commented on ANU’s 2024/25 season.
ANU's determination and talent stood out in the Grand Final, where their outstanding displays thrilled supporters of the ANU club and cemented their legacy in ACT cricket history.
“I remember we were all kind of nervous, but I think for some reason we were all just, it felt like we were ready to go.”
“We have been building for a few years and we were really bad for a few years and to go through those hard times with the same group of players and come through was really satisfying. It was pretty emotional, and obviously felt very surreal.” Bennett stated.
The victory also marked another historic milestone, as ACT Meteors player, Anesu Mushangwe became the first female player to be part of a Men’s 1st Grade premiership in the ACT, making a crucial impact by taking a key wicket at a pivotal moment in the game.
A sea of supporters all in blue came to cheer on the ANU boys at Chisholm; something the team will forever be grateful for.
“We wouldn’t be anywhere if we didn’t have good support like we do. So just thank you very much for backing us.”