The 1st XI Cricket team have claimed the 2025/26 APS Cricket Premiership after a seven wicket win over Haileybury in the first APS Grand Final held in more than six decades.
The victory capped an outstanding season for the 1st XI, who completed the campaign undefeated and secured the School’s 39th APS cricket premiership, the most of any APS school. The 1st XI combined individual excellence with a collective commitment that proved decisive throughout the season.
In the lead up to the Grand Final there was a strong sense of anticipation, as Vice-Captain Will Sharpin attests.
“There was a big build up throughout the week of school. Everyone was very excited for the first APS Grand Final,” he says.
“There was a little bit of expectation on us after going undefeated through the season, but everyone handled it really well.
“We’re a really close group of mates and everyone blends in with all different personalities.”
After Haileybury threatened early in the match, Melbourne Grammar’s bowlers turned the game with a remarkable passage of play, taking six wickets for just six runs.
Will said the group trusted its preparation and remained composed under pressure.
“Coming into the game we knew that they had a very strong top order so the plan was to get some early wickets,” he said.
Captain James Rosham’s influence extended far beyond the Grand Final. He finished the season with 449 runs and 29 wickets, and was recognised as Captain of the APS Representative Team. James was also selected as a member of the Australian Under 19 team who will compete later this year.
“He’s a very good captain,” Will says.
“He’s got a very good cricket brain that most people don’t have. Those things can change games and we’re very lucky to have him leading us this year.
“We thought it was a very fitting way to end our cricketing journey at Melbourne Grammar and I was very happy to be out there [batting with him].”
The season was defined by consistency and depth across the entire squad. Melbourne Grammar averaged 303 across the two-day home and away season, recorded six scores above 300, and never required a second innings throughout the year.
The team also had a number of high-ranking players with Charlie Skinner finishing as the APS competition’s leading run scorer with 530 runs at an average of 58.89, while Louis Needham claimed a competition high 35 wickets at 9.63.
Will says the team’s success reflected the contribution of the entire group throughout the season.
“We knew we had a strong team this year.” he says.
“We had contributions from everyone throughout the season. The depth in our team helped us all season, and especially the Grand Final.”
Grand Final result – 28 March 2026
Melbourne 3/117 d Haileybury 116
In 2025, the APS announced the introduction of Grand Finals for Boys’ Firsts competitions. Previously, the team that finished on top of the ladder at the conclusion of the home and away season was awarded the APS Premiership.
