11/01/2026
🏆 2026 LJ Ho**er Ballina Under 13 Cricket Carnival - Division Champions Wrap Up.
The 2026 LJ Ho**er Ballina Under 13 Cricket Carnival delivered a week of outstanding junior cricket, sportsmanship and unforgettable moments.
Across four divisions, teams tested themselves against strong opposition, adapted to different conditions, and grew with every match on fields across the Ballina region.
By Friday, four deserving champions emerged — each with a story built on teamwork, resilience and belief.
🥇 Division 1 Champions
Brisbane North
Brisbane North Maroon capped off an exceptional carnival by claiming the Division 1 Grand Final, edging out Manly in a thrilling contest.
Their path to the final was built on consistency and composure. Brisbane North were strong throughout the group stages, showing balance across batting, bowling and fielding.
A confident semi-final performance booked their place in the Grand Final, where they were tested to the very end.
In the decider, Brisbane North held their nerve under pressure, defending their total and closing out a tight 6-run victory. It was a fitting reward for a team that played smart, disciplined cricket all week and embraced the challenge of competing at the highest level of the carnival.
🥇 Division 2 Champions
Mid North Coast
Mid North Coast produced one of the most dominant performances of the finals series, finishing the week as Division 2 Champions.
After building momentum during the group stage, Mid North Coast peaked at the right time. Their semi-final win set up a highly anticipated final against Inner West Harbour, but on the final stage, Mid North Coast delivered a complete team performance.
Batting first, they posted an imposing total before backing it up with relentless bowling and sharp fielding. The result was a commanding 115-run victory, showcasing the depth, preparation and unity of the squad. It was a powerful way to finish a strong carnival campaign.
🥇 Division 3 Champions
Maitland
Maitland’s Division 3 campaign was defined by grit, improvement and belief. After navigating a competitive group stage and earning their finals berth, they showed real character when it mattered most.
Their Grand Final against North Shore was a tense, hard-fought contest that went down to the final moments. Maitland chased calmly under pressure, keeping wickets in hand and trusting their processes.
In the end, Maitland secured a dramatic 1-wicket victory on the last ball of the game. A result that reflected their resilience and teamwork that had shown all week. It was a memorable finish to a carnival where the group grew together and rose to every challenge placed in front of them.
🥇 Division 4 Champions
Far North Coast Thunder
Far North Coast Thunder rounded out the carnival with a strong Division 4 Grand Final performance, closing the week as deserving champions.
Their journey through the carnival was one of steady progress. As the week went on, the Thunder improved with every match, building confidence and cohesion. A solid semi-final performance earned them a place in the final against MSW.
In the decider, FNC Thunder showed maturity beyond their years, chasing successfully and finishing the job with a composed 5-wicket win. It was a reward for a team that embraced learning, supported each other and played the game in the right spirit.
🌟 A Carnival to Remember
Every division winner at the 2026 LJ Ho**er Ballina Under 13 Cricket Carnival earned their success through effort, teamwork and a love of the game. Just as importantly, every team involved left with new friendships, valuable experiences and memories that will last well beyond this week.
Congratulations to all division champions — and to every player who took part. Keep training, keep learning, and most of all, keep enjoying your cricket journey. 🏏💙
