Captain Ben Fulford (left) expects big things for Corowa this season. (Photo: Rob Lacey)
As Cricket Albury Wodonga gears up for another season, Corowa Cricket Club is determined to turn the promise shown last summer into sustained success in 2026/27.
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The men at Ball Park enter the new campaign with confidence, but also with a clear understanding of what is required to take the next step.
After an A Grade season, in which expectations were high from both inside and outside the club, Corowa showed encouraging signs of development as the year progressed, particularly towards the back end of the campaign.
Captain Ben Fulford, who joined the club from North Albury last season, said the group continued to grow throughout the summer and believes experience will provide a valuable foundation heading into the new season.
New recuits from last season Blake Elliott, Ben Fulford and Callum Langlands.
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“In A Grade, there were a lot of expectations around our group from everyone in the league, as well as internally,” Fulford said.
“In saying that, as the year went on, I think we got better and better.”
That improvement helped shape offseason preparations, towards round one.
The extended preseason allowed players to focus on individual aspects of their game and gave the squad opportunity to build consistency and cohesion.
“It’s been good, the guys have been working on what they need to work on for when that first ball is bowled,” Fulford said.
“We want to go in as prepared as possible.”
Corowa Under 16s program has become the most successful in the Cricket Albury Wodonga League in recent years.
Corowa’s aspirations extend well beyond its senior side.
The club has invested heavily in junior development, with the Under 16s giving a clear indication of the talent coming through.
The side has three consecutive premierships but for Fulford, providing young players with opportunities is just as important as winning games.
“You’ve got to give the kids room to succeed and fail on their own two feet and be there to support them when things don’t quite go their way,” he said.
That philosophy has been supported by senior players such as Jarrod Lane and Nick Grant, who continue to help develop the next generation.
“Jarrod Lane is an unbelievable human and a great cricketer to have on the field as well,” Fulford said.
“Nick Grant will lead the fast bowlers again, with a few good ones coming through the ranks.”
There is plenty of excitement around the club about the young players who could make their mark during the 2026/27 season.
“Nick Oliver, Reid McNamara, and I expect Joe Lavis to have a fairly big year, as well as (his cousin) Eli,” Fulford said.
Their progression will be closely watched as the club looks to create a stronger pathway from its successful junior program into A Grade and the wider senior competition.
Corowa’s ambitions are not restricted to A Grade, with the club’s B Grade and C Grade teams also looking to continue the momentum generated across the club.
Corowa Cricket Club's C2 premiership winning team.
Strong performances across the grades will be important as Corowa develops the depth required to consistently compete with the leading clubs in Cricket Albury Wodonga.
Fulford’s challenge is straightforward; match the club’s preparation and potential with consistent performances once the season begins.
“If we can take it up and match it with the best sides…and do that every weekend, I think the sky is the limit for us,” he said.
After a season of development and an extended preseason focused on preparation, Corowa now has the opportunity to turn potential into results.
The next step is translating that promise into consistency on the field and establishing the men in blue and white as a genuine force in the 2026/27 Cricket Albury Wodonga season.
Round 1 CAW Fixture
A Grade: Corowa v East Albury at Alexandra Park Oct 10, 11.30am.
B Grade: Corowa v East Albury at Ball Park Oct 10, 12.30pm.
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