Victoria’s women and Western Australia’s men have taken top honours at the 2026 National Indigenous Cricket Championships, closing out a week of competition in Mackay with unbeaten records in their respective divisions.
The finals, held on Yuwibara Country, saw Victoria secure their first women’s title with a 58-run win over New South Wales. Western Australia’s men followed with a five-wicket victory against Victoria, sealing their fifth championship overall and their second since the tournament moved to a standalone format.
Victoria’s win in the women’s decider was built on disciplined fielding and steady contributions across the side. Annabelle Glossop was named player of the match after scoring 21 runs, taking three wickets and producing a standout catch that proved a turning point in the contest. The result marks a milestone for the team, which had not previously lifted the women’s trophy.
In the men’s final, Western Australia were guided by captain Brock Larance, whose unbeaten 83 from 50 balls anchored the chase. His innings ensured his side maintained a clean record through the tournament, including a win over Papua New Guinea, the only team to challenge their dominance during the week.
The 2026 championships featured eight men’s teams and five women’s teams, with matches played across five days. The event continues to serve as a pathway for First Nations players, offering exposure to high-level competition and, increasingly, international opposition.
Papua New Guinea’s Barramundis joined the men’s competition as an invitational side as part of their preparation for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup East Asia-Pacific Qualifier in Japan. Players from the PNG Lewas were also involved, linking up with South Australia’s women’s squad alongside Northern Territory representatives.
Organisers said the inclusion of Papua New Guinea added a competitive edge and broadened the scope of the tournament. Their presence also reflects a wider push to connect regional cricket programmes and provide more opportunities for players across the Pacific.
Several established names featured throughout the championships, including D’Arcy Short and Mikayla Hinkley for Western Australia, along with Ella Hayward and Emma Mannix-Geeves for Victoria. Their involvement added experience to squads largely made up of emerging players working towards higher levels of the game.
Emma Mannix-Geeves was recognised as the women’s player of the series, adding the batting and fielding awards to her honours. Tony Ura of Papua New Guinea took the men’s player of the series award, underlining his impact across the tournament despite his side not reaching the final.
Other individual awards reflected strong performances across both divisions. Elsie Simpson of Western Australia claimed the women’s bowling trophy, while Patrick Jackson of Victoria took the men’s equivalent. Bevan Bennell of Western Australia was recognised for his fielding and also shared in the men’s batting honours.
Team awards highlighted the competitive balance across the week. Victoria were named winners of the women’s spirit of cricket award, while Papua New Guinea earned the men’s honour, a nod to their approach and contribution as a guest side.
The championships were broadcast on NITV and Fox Cricket via Kayo, expanding access to the event and bringing wider attention to Indigenous cricket pathways. Backing from partners including Westpac and the Melbourne Cricket Club Foundation supported delivery of the tournament alongside local stakeholders in Mackay.
While results on the field remain the focus, the event continues to carry a broader role within Australian cricket. It brings together players from different regions and backgrounds, offering a platform that combines competition with community engagement.
With organisers confirming a return to Mackay next year, attention will shift to how teams build on this year’s performances. For Victoria’s women, the challenge will be to back up a breakthrough title. For Western Australia’s men, maintaining their hold on the trophy will be the immediate target as the competition continues to evolve.
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