Two mouth-watering cricket contests in the Semi-Finals
Lucas Skelton from Glen Iris Cricket Club joins us to discuss the Dunstan Shield Semi-Final weekend
With the prospect of two evenly-matched Dunstan Shield Semi Finals this weekend, we invited Glen Iris Dunstan Shield champ and club coach Lucas Skelton to share his thoughts about the respective games and where he thinks they may be won or lost. We wish all players and umpires across all our grades who are involved in finals this weekend, all the very best.
Listen | Dunstan Shield Finals preview with Lucas Skelton
Mont Albert Reserve does not give up boundaries easily. Here against Glen Iris earlier this season ©Chris Mirabella 2025
Mont Albert (1) v Edinburgh (4) at Mont Albert Reserve
They are 1-1 against each other from the Home and Away Rounds
Mont Albert have hosting rights for this Semi-Final as they look to to go one better this season afterf finishing runner up in last year's Grand Final. After winning the Wright Shield (from fourth) in a thriller last year, Edinburgh has proven to be formidable opponents against the best Dunstan Shield team. Skipper Suraj Kaluhalamulla has been in brilliant form all season, and Mont Albert's skipper Andrew Padbury is one of the most versatile players in the competition. PlayHQ Scorecard
Mont Albert Cricket Club captain Andrew Padbury earlier in the season against East Doncaster Photo ©Chris Mirabella
Edinburgh Cricket Club captain Suraj Kaluhalamulla has been in inspirational form this season. Here bowling against North Balwyn earlier in the season. Photo ©Chris Mirabella
North Balwyn Spinner Zain Latif shapes as a key player in the Semi final. Here in action against Mont Albert earlier in the season. Photo ©Chris Mirabella 2025
North Balwyn (2) v Old Carey (3) at Macleay Park
Between them, they hold the last three Dunstan Shield titles
Between them, these two sides hold the past three Dunstan Shield titles. North Balwyn are the defending premiers and have not been beaten since November. Old Carey lost their skipper Daniel Clarke at the start of the season to injury. Sam Morarty has filled his shoes admirably and his side are well primed. Not afraid of finals challenges (they defeated North Balwyn at Macleay Park two season's ago to win the flag from fourth) they match North Balwyn for finals expereince. North Balwyn are playing briliant cricket and their young skipper Xavier Batemen will be leading his side into the finals for the first time. PlayHQ Scorecard
North Balwyn junior, turned First XI Dunstan Shield Captain, Xavier Bateman will play a big role in the Semi Final. Here in action against Mont Albert Photo ©Chris Mirabella 2025
Old Carey Captain Sam Morarty has done an outstanding job this season Photo ©Chris Mirabella