09/01/2026
LJ Ho**er Ballina Under 13 Cricket Carnival
Day 5 – Final Day Results Wrap-Up
The final day of the LJ Ho**er Ballina Under 13 Cricket Carnival delivered everything junior cricket is about — tight finishes, dominant performances, great sportsmanship, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Across all divisions, players showcased skill, resilience, teamwork and a genuine love for the game.
🏆 Division 1 – Grand Final
Brisbane North defeated Manly by 6 runs
The Division 1 Grand Final was a fitting climax to an outstanding carnival. Brisbane North Maroon held their nerve to secure a thrilling 6-run victory over Manly in a contest that went down to the final overs.
Brisbane North entered the final unbeaten through the group stage, setting the benchmark with strong batting depth and disciplined bowling.
Their semi-final win over Gregory Terrace showed their ability to defend totals under pressure, and they carried that composure into the Grand Final, posting a competitive score and executing their plans brilliantly with the ball.
Manly Warringah’s path to the Grand Final was equally impressive. Topping their group with three wins, they backed it up with a commanding semi-final victory over the BEARS.
In the final, Manly pushed Brisbane North all the way, showing why they were one of the most balanced sides of the tournament. While the result didn’t fall their way, their fighting spirit and consistency across the carnival was outstanding.
Both teams should be immensely proud — this match epitomised high-quality junior cricket.
Congratulations to Brisbane North, your 2026 LJ Ho**er Ballina Under 13 Cricket Carnival Champions.
🥈 Division 2 – Final
Mid North Coast defeated Inner West Harbour by 115 runs
Mid North Coast capped off a dominant carnival campaign with a commanding Division 2 Final victory. After finishing second in their pool and building momentum through the knockout rounds, they delivered their most complete performance when it mattered most.
Inner West Harbour fought hard throughout the carnival, earning their place in the final with a strong semi-final win over Tamworth. While the final scoreline was decisive, their journey to the last day reflected resilience, teamwork and growth across the week.
Congratulations Mid North Coast, your 2026 Division 2 LJ Ho**er Ballina Under 13 Cricket Carnival winners.
🥉 Division 3 – Final
Maitland defeated North Shore by 1 wicket
Division 3 delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the entire carnival. The winning run came from the last ball of the game. Maitland held their nerve in a thrilling one-wicket victory over North Shore, capping off a carnival full of close contests.
Maitland’s journey saw steady improvement each day, highlighted by a hard-fought semi-final win over Newcastle Blasters. North Shore also impressed throughout the week, consistently challenging opponents and earning their finals spot with a strong semi-final performance over Lake Mac.
This match showcased courage, composure and belief from both sides.
🏅 Division 4 – Final
FNC Thunder defeated MSW by 5 wickets
FNC Thunder finished their carnival on a high with a composed Division 4 Final victory. After enduring a tough group stage, Thunder showed remarkable improvement and resilience to reach the final and deliver when it counted most.
MSW also deserve enormous credit for their carnival journey. They competed fiercely all week, learning, improving and supporting each other through every match. Their performance in the final was a testament to their commitment and team spirit.
🌟 Final Playoff Matches – Growth, Grit & Great Memories
The final playoff matches highlighted what this carnival is truly about. Teams like Lake Mac Attack, Tamworth, Gregory Terrace, Newcastle Blasters, North Coast, Coalfeld’s U13s and FNC Sixers all showed growth, sportsmanship and determination across the week.
Every run scored, every wicket taken, every dive in the field contributed to experiences that will stay with these players long after the final ball was bowled.
To all players:
Keep playing
Keep training
Keep learning
And most importantly, keep enjoying your cricket journey.
🙌 A Carnival to Remember
From pool matches to finals day, the 2026 LJ Ho**er Ballina Under 13 Cricket Carnival once again proved why it is such a special event.
Thank you to players, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers and sponsors for making this carnival unforgettable. We hope you can see why the carnival has been going on for over 30 years and continues to help shape the development of junior cricketers.
Big thanks to Geoff and Chen for organising and running the carnival. It's a big effort and one they have taken on board the last few years. Without them, there would be no carnival.
Thank to Bruce and Doug from the FNCCUSA who organized the umpires for every game. Bruce has been involved with the carnival since it started over 30 years ago.
Remember, these young cricketers didn’t just play games — they built friendships, learned life lessons, and created memories that will last a lifetime.
And that's why cricket is the best game in the world.
Enjoy the the rest of your holidays and safe travels home.
🏏 Carnival Executive Team
