News
26 October, 2025
Clubs getting their eye in
LOCAL cricket clubs are reshaping themselves to create a stronger, more sustainable competition, with smaller clubs merging or forming alliances to secure their futures.
Recent years have seen multiple local clubs join forces, while some others have unfortunately had to close.
Clubs including Burpengary, Caboolture, Wamuran, Sandstone Point, Landsborough, Maleny, Nambour, North Lakes and Palmwoods have all been affected in some way over the past few seasons.
This year saw Burpengary merge with the Lakes Knights, while Wamuran Stanley River became part of Caboolture last year.
Sandstone Point and Maleny have folded, while Nambour joined with the University of the Sunshine Coast, and Landsborough and Palmwoods now operate in a sister-club relationship.
For some, mergers addressed low player numbers; for others, the aim was better facilities, funding or meeting Sunshine Coast Cricket Association (SCCA) requirements.
The SCCA, which spans from Caboolture in the south to Gympie in the north, is consolidating clubs into five or six larger entities, with more teams per division rather than several smaller clubs.
While more than 2,000 players compete weekly across men’s, women’s and junior competitions, the men’s first-grade competition has dropped from 10 to eight teams, with the potential for further reduction.
The SCCA encourages alliances to strengthen talent depth, player development and community pathways.
While smaller clubs disappearing into larger conglomerates means fewer local identities, Queensland Cricket said it is currently seeing solid growth across key participation areas in both junior cricket and women’s and girls’ competitions compared to last season.
Queensland Cricket Chief Executive Officer Terry Svenson said the growth highlights the success of efforts to attract new players as well as quality coaching, education and competitions.
“It was rewarding for us to see more girls and boys playing cricket than last year,” he said.
“Senior cricket remained flat, albeit with a small one per cent increase on the prior year.”
Mr Svenson said progress is ongoing towards promoting and growing the game for all Queenslanders, with a key focus on delivering improved training facilities in all communities throughout the state.
The Lakes Knights Cricket Club President Daniel Moyle said the merger with Burpengary has been beneficial for both clubs, as Burpengary had a strong senior team but was still struggling for numbers.
The Lakes Cricket Club had strong numbers but was struggling for ground space. Rather than seeing Burpengary fold, the Lakes are now able to keep the history of the club alive.
“The Lakes picks up two beautiful grounds and turf wickets, so those facilities will support the kids in the region,” he said.
“It also provides an opportunity for older kids to get a taste of senior cricket.”
Caboolture Cricket Club President Ben Stuart told The Sentinel last year that the merger of Wamuran and Caboolture allowed the club to make use of more facilities available at Wamuran.
“This fills a need for us, and Wamuran were happy to give up the lease, and council is going to give us the tenure,” he said.
“It’s another field we can utilise and not turn people away.
“We are really looking to expand the sport in the area. We had a lot of growth in the last couple of seasons, and we want to spread our wings into the region.”
Mr Stuart said it was important that local cricket clubs support each other.
“The more chances we get to reach out and help these clubs and get people to still play cricket, that’s the main goal,” he said.
The goal of a merger is to combine player talent and resources, resulting in a deeper pool of players, particularly in the lower grades. Mergers done well bring together different clubs, encourage a stronger sense of community and a more unified approach to cricket in the region.
Larger clubs offer a clearer pathway for players to progress from junior to senior cricket in one consistent structure.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg said there has never been a better time to get involved in cricket.
“There’s a place for everyone in the game,” he said.
