Sport
30 October, 2026
Tigers roar, Spuds cook Bowral and Welby Oval goes to the dogs
Sir Wally apologises for the lateness of this week’s report. I have been conducting research at the pub since Saturday night. Thorough work cannot be rushed.
Sir Wally apologises for the lateness of this week’s report. I have been conducting research at the pub since Saturday night. Thorough work cannot be rushed.
Three rounds into the Highlands cricket season and some clubs are looking rather pleased with themselves. Others are desperately searching for the person who promised this season would be different.
Hill Top are sitting comfortably at the top of the first-grade ladder after disposing of Moss Vale by 10 wickets at Bradman Oval.
Hill Top continue to recruit, with the veteran journeyman Roxburgh rejoining the ladder leaders. John Elias was observed watching on, proud as punch.
Moss Vale managed just 109, with Advik Ajithkumar providing most of the resistance with a punchy 50.
Hill Top replied with 0/110, sending the Moss Vale bowlers home without a wicket between them.
Three matches, three victories and 30 competition points for Hill Top.
Moss Vale, meanwhile, have played three and lost three. The only thing they have successfully chased this season is a ball to the boundary.
Wingello showed their claws against Mittagong, posting 9/217 before dismissing them for 173 to claim a 44-run win.
Grant Pike led the charge with 79, while Lee Russell belted 44 from 37 balls.
Captain Jesse Cao decided running between wickets was unnecessary, smashing three sixes in his 29 from just 18 deliveries. Social media superstar Brody Martin added an unbeaten 13 from six balls.
Mittagong’s Will Thomson fought hard for his 55, while Rob Alcorn contributed 20, just 80 short of another ton.
The eponymous Fred Jones was the pick of Mittagong’s bowlers, claiming four wickets, but even that wasn’t enough to tame the Tigers.
At Lackey Park, the Spuds cooked Bowral by six wickets.
Bowral were dismissed for just 106, with Robertson reaching 4/107.
It was another difficult afternoon for the Bowral batsmen, although Nick Miller remains among the competition’s leading players.
The ladder has Hill Top on 30 points, Robertson and Wingello on 22, Bowral and Mittagong on 14, and Moss Vale bringing up the rear on six, desperately hoping that the Minns Government's plan to make Moss Vale a major Hub may attract Marnus Labuschagne after he is set to be dropped from all professional cricket.
Tomorrow, the youthful Moss Vale meet Wingello at Lackey Oval. Moss Vale need their first win. The Tigers are unlikely to offer one out of sympathy. But Sir Wally's tip of the week is for Moss Vale to fight back, and no, that's not a John Hewson joke.
Mittagong face Robertson at Bradman Oval, where the Spuds will be hoping to serve up another win.
Hill Top take on Bowral at Welby Oval, where the unbeaten ladder leaders may find themselves sharing the ground with an extra fielder.
A stray dog is known to roam the picturesque Welby Oval. According to Sir Wally's source, council was called last weekend, only to be told stray dogs were a Monday-to-Friday concern only.
So, stray dogs of the Southern Highlands: Welby is the place for you tomorrow. There’s cricket, open space and, apparently, no weekend council service to interrupt your afternoon.
Until next week, keep your bat straight, your catches above the grass and your refreshments below room temperature.
Sir Wally Wetwicket OBE
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