Barooga Masters tournament - call for more teams

So far the tournament has three teams registered in each age group - a far cry from when it pulled up to 18 teams in the Over 35s age group pre-COVID.

The tournament, which has been running for 20 years, has pulled country and metro teams from both Victoria and NSW.

The tournament, which runs in 2026 mid-week from January 12 to 15, plays on excellent turf wickets on the two grounds at the Barooga Sports Complex, and when required uses overflow turf grounds back across the Murray at Cobram. Each team plays three games.

On each of the first three days one of the games is played under lights at the main Barooga oval. Games are 40 and 30 overs per side.

The event is run and organised by Barooga Sporties, and is strongly supported by the Barooga Cricket Club.

Entry is $600 per team, plus $200 registration, which covers the cost of ground preparation, umpires and match balls - so the cost per player for each game is less than $25 - comparable to our usual weekly match fees for our summer grades.

Moonee Valley Cricket Club has sent a team to the Over 35s section each year since 2014, except for the COVID cancellation. There are a number of excellent motels and other accommodation at Barooga.

Moonee Valley President Charlie Walker has attended most of the tournaments, and is happy to talk to anyone about the experience and what to expect. He is on 0411 705 381.

Entries can be either an individual club, or a combined team from a couple of clubs or groups of cricketers. If a team is short, the Barooga CC can usually find a couple of locals to fill in. Typically, the Moonee Valley team has 8-10 of its club players, and a couple of extras who are either former players who have gone to other clubs, or are only occasional players (mates of mates).

Clubs or groups wanting more official information or to enter should contact Barooga Sporties Acting Manager Sports & Leisure Sean Harrap on 0418 502 511 or send him an email at [email protected]