Around the grounds in Melton and Moorabool

(Joe Mastroianni). 285243_05

Ballarat FL

Bacchus Marsh has suffered a big blow with Daniel Burton not returning to the Ballarat Football League club next season. Burton, a Henderson Medallist, has been one of the competition’s best players since joining the Cobras in 2016. Burton’s junior club, Point Cook, announced last week that the ruck was returning to join them next season under new coach Clay Smith.

Soccer

Former Melton resident Mathew Leckie has been named in the Australian squad for his third World Cup. Leckie, who played his junior soccer with the Brimbank Stallions, was one of 26 players named in the Australian squad. Jamie Maclaren, Thomas Deng and Aziz Behich, who all played for Green Gully, are also in the squad. The World Cup kicks off on November 26.

GDCA

Bacchus Marsh came away with the points in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup. Playing for the first time this season, the Bulls restricted East Sunbury to 98. Armi Wakefield took four wickets. The Bulls hit the winning runs in 30th over, finishing 5-101. Diggers Rest Bulla lost to Sunbury United. The Burras made 8-178, with Sunbury United finishing 7-179 in reply. In the Johnstone Shield, Eynesbury beat Riddell and Aintree lost to Sunbury United.

VTCA

Melton South Royals made a winning start to life at Melton Recreation Reserve in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association division 5. The Royals faced Burnside Springs United in their first game at their new home ground. The Royals made 4-193 with Thiwanka Kekulawala making 101 not out. Burnside Springs were bowled out for 116. Melton Centrals match with Seabrook was a draw with no play getting underway. In division 1, Sydenham-Hillside made it two wins in a row, beating Seddon.