Kiama Cavaliers will launch one of their biggest seasons yet this weekend, with the club celebrating its 170th year and fielding teams across every age group - including a full-strength first grade, a revitalised women’s squad, and a new fourth-grade side made up largely of “Cavs dads”.

The season officially kicks off this Saturday, with all four senior men’s grades and junior teams taking the field. The senior women’s team - the Cavettes - will begin their campaign next Friday (October 17).

Club president Bernie Brown said the lead-up to the season had been one of the strongest in recent memory.

“We’ve had excellent registrations this season - probably the biggest pre-season we’ve seen in a long time,” he said.

“We’ve locked in four men’s teams that are looking strong and competitive, and our senior women’s side has had really strong numbers too. Across the board - juniors, seniors, men and women - the numbers have been fantastic.”

At the top level, the first-grade team is a mix of some new recruits, returning players and several rising stars from the junior ranks. 

“We'll be presenting six new first-grade caps for our first round, which is fantastic. So we’re really looking forward to some strong results on the field under captain Jaya Hartgerink, who last year broke the record as the most capped Cavalier, sitting on 364 matches,” said Brown.

On the women’s side, the Cavettes are also looking strong with a host of new players joining the squad, including standout signing Ebony Winston from Gerringong. 

“Ebony's been a member the district and regional academies, and also played for the Southern Swans, who won the Brewer Shield in the Sydney Under-18s Premier League competition last year,” said Brown.

“She’s a very experienced young cricketer and we’re thrilled to have her on board for the season.”

The Kiama Cavaliers first grade captain in action last year. Photo: Brian Scott

On the junior side, the club has seen a flow-on effect from last season’s popular Cricket Blast program, coordinated by Shane Wilson, who was named Cricket Australia and Cricket NSW Blast Coordinator of the Year. 

The club will field three under-11s teams, along with two under-13s sides, and full teams in the under-15s and under-17s divisions.

“There’s been a really healthy junior-to-senior pathway this year,” said Brown. “We’ve even had such strong numbers in the younger age groups that we almost had a third under-13s team.”

This season also sees the return of a fourth-grade side for the senior men - a team being affectionately referred to as the “Cavs dads”, where fathers and sons will be lining up together on the field.

“It’s an opportunity for our young players in the 13-15-year-old range to experience senior cricket alongside their dads and other experienced players. It’s a great way to welcome juniors into the senior structure and keep that connection strong.”

Another major development this year is the appointment of Jack McDonald as club coach - the first time in several years the Cavaliers have had someone in this role. 

“Participation at pre-season training has been outstanding,” said the club. “Jack’s made a real impact already - it’s a high-performance step forward that puts us in a great position across the whole club.”

As for goals this season, the club isn’t afraid to aim high.

“It’s not unreasonable for all five senior teams to be playing semifinal cricket,” said Brown.

“We’ve got depth, strong recruitment in first grade, and players hungry to move up through the grades. That creates competition, camaraderie, and success across the board.”

With strong numbers, a new coach, and major milestones to celebrate, the 2025/26 season is shaping up to be one to remember for the Cavaliers.

“We’re really grateful to the Kiama Leagues Club and all our wonderful sponsors, including new major partners Royal Caribbean, who have come on board this year. It’s going to be an amazing season.”