The Lodgers entered the Haisman Shield as a new contender in season 2024-25 after being admitted by the league, making a respectable account of themselves for their first run back in the A-grade landscape.
Turns out they liked it so much, they’re coming back for more.
Pine Lodge president Travis Waters confirmed the club would suit up again in the Haisman Shield this summer, buoyed by a promising debut year.
The Lodgers finished bottom but managed two wins - the same number as Euroa and Shepparton Youth Club United.
Pace bowler and excitement factory Tiron Fernando has since moved on to join Old Students, but Waters said there’s plenty to look forward to from a Pine Lodge perspective.
“We’re probably a few weeks away from finalising a few things, but we’re definitely having an A-grade side as per last year,” he said.
“Obviously, Tino’s moved on but our Englishman Emile (Haratbar) from last year is coming back and we’ve got another young fella from England coming over.
“Dylan Hardy; he’s an 18-19 year old kid who’s coming to Australia and we’re pretty confident he’ll fit in well with us.”
While little is yet known about Hardy’s talents, the signature of Haratbar for another season is a statement move by the Lodgers.
The wicketkeeper-batter tallied the most runs for Pine Lodge with 308 at an average of 22, while also notching 13 catches and one stumping behind the pegs.
Tatura has also reined in the services of English talent, landing top order batter Kiran Green for the 2025-26 Haisman Shield season.
Green, currently playing for Shelley Cricket Club in the Huddersfield Premier Cricket League Championship, has 545 runs at 27.25 for the season, which includes three half centuries.
Meanwhile, Old Students has confirmed a new double-barrelled captaincy for the looming campaign.
Callan McCabe has stepped aside, with Felix Odell and Liam Callegari taking the reins under coach Vince Gagliardi’s supervision as the Students chase a return to finals cricket.
The club has also placed trust in two of its elite youngsters as teenagers Oscar Lambourn and Sam O’Brien have been promoted to vice-captains after several years impressing at A-grade level.
