Saints cricket connection a hit

It was not about competition points, but developing the squad ahead of the 2025/26 Victorian Premier Cricket season.

One of the key figures involved in orchestrating the preseason fixture, Jamie Tasker, said the Saints’ visit originated following COVID-19, due to St Kilda’s home facilities not being ideal for cricket in September.

“They’ve been coming for about four years to have a practice match.

“Because their home ground is Junction Oval, and it is used for a few different things, the ground is a bit green and wet at this time of year.

“It comes about from St Kilda legend Shaun Graf (former Australian international cricketer and Victorian Cricket administrator), through sporting connections in Deniliquin, and has continued ever since.

“It offers them a nice firm wicket and the Deni Rhinos facilities are second to none.

“They appreciate they can get on a good, firm wicket.”

Tasker said the St Kilda Cricket Club features many of the best cricketers in the country.

Many made the trip to play in Deniliquin last weekend.

“They won the premiership last year, they’re the top premier cricket team in Victoria, and they’re keen to keep coming.

“About 30 people come to the town and spend money here.

“They’re a great bunch of blokes, and they’ve got some very good cricketers.

“They’ve got some legends such as Adam Crosthwaite (former Victorian state cricketer) who was here on the weekend.

“St Kilda was also Shane Warne’s cricket club.

“They’ve also got a few cricketers from last year’s Australian under-19s team coming through who were here on the weekend, which was pretty exciting.”