Major Upsets Shake Monaro District Cricket One Day Senior Men’s Competition

In an exhilarating turn of events, Round 10 of the Monaro District Cricket One Day Senior Men’s competition witnessed two of the season’s biggest upsets, as top teams Jindabyne Tigers and Coffey’s both succumbed to unexpected defeats.

PHOTO: Dalgety’s Aaron Fenton (pictured bowling) has fast become one of the competition’s most promising talents.

At JJ Connors Oval, the Jindabyne Tigers faced off against the Dalgety Cricket Club. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Jindabyne encountered formidable resistance from Dalgety’s emerging bowling force, led by young pacemen Aaron Fenton and Rylee Holland. Rylee Holland’s scorching yorker was the initial breakthrough, dismissing the in-form Issac Dawson, followed by Andy Castle’s departure, attributed to Fenton’s sharp delivery and a slick catch by Simon Freebody.

PHOTO: Dalgety’s Rylee Holland, has developed his fast bowling considerably in 2025, with much improved control and pace.

Despite a resilient 65* from Captain Lucas Rixon, Jindabyne could only muster 7/151 in their 40 overs. Simon Freebody emerged as the bowling star for Dalgety, boasting figures of 2/15 from 8 overs.

In pursuit, Dalgety navigated early turbulence with a steadying senior innings from Nollan Holland (65) and a critical 58 from Owen Freebody. Their partnership paved the way for Simon Freebody to guide his team home, finishing on 5* and sealing the victory as Dalgety reached 4/152 in 37.4 overs.

Meanwhile, Coffey’s decision to field first against the Cooma Titans initially seemed promising, with Hunter Caldwell striking early. Yet, strong performances from Aqib Abbasi (61) and Babar Rehman (56) helped the Titans to a formidable 222 all out. Despite a determined chase led by Nathan Thompson (46) and Damien Roach (36), Coffey’s fell just short, ending at 7/216.

In a close clash across town, Rhythm were defeated by Bombala despite impressive bowling from Kaeliff Khoury, who captured 5/25. Bombala’s Jason Cikos (39) and Mark Tonks (37) set a solid foundation, leading to a total of 175. In response, Rhythm, after making a very solid start (2/101) lost the key wicket of Nemasha Ambagahawatte (57), and from there struggled to form partnerships, ultimately bowled out for 142.

With only two rounds left before finals, competition heats up as five teams vie for top positions, with a mere four points separating them. Round 11 promises exciting matchups with the Cooma Titans hosting the Jindabyne Tigers, Coffey’s travelling to face Bombala, and Rhythm set to meet Berridale. Dalgety will have a bye.

PHOTO: Aaron Fenton is one of Monaro District Cricket Association’s most promising fast bowling prospects.