It has been a summer of remarkable and rapid progression for Merewether cricketer Patrick Moore, whose performances have catapulted him through the representative ranks in a matter of months.
A Trajectory of Success
The talented all-rounder, who relocated from Sydney to join the Merewether Lions midway through last season, has enjoyed a whirlwind 2025-2026 campaign. After helping his club reach the Newcastle District Cricket Association first XI grand final, Moore earned his debut for Newcastle, followed by a maiden cap for the NSW Country Bush Blues. His efforts were crowned with selection in the Australian Country Championships merit team following the national carnival in Western Australia.
"It's a pretty good trajectory isn't it?" Bush Blues coach Shane Burley remarked to the Newcastle Herald. "He played NSW under 19s... moves to the country and things happen pretty quick for someone like him who's a really good cricketer."
Standout Performances on the National Stage
Burley hailed Moore's contributions at the championships as "outstanding." Batting at number four, the right-hander anchored the Bush Blues' innings, scoring 292 runs at an average of 41.71, including three half-centuries. Despite managing a calf strain, he also claimed nine wickets with his medium pace at an average of 25.56, with best figures of 3-14.
His clutch performance was pivotal in a thrilling T20 victory over South Australia. Defending nine runs from the final over, Moore held his nerve. With SA needing three runs from two balls with two wickets in hand, he conceded just a leg bye and a single before taking a crucial wicket. A run out from the final ball secured a dramatic one-run win for NSW.
"I think there were four games that went down to the last over," Burley said, also referencing a win where Illawarra's Rhys Cattle hit a six off the final ball to beat Western Australia.
Newcastle Contingent Makes Its Mark
Moore was not the only Newcastle representative in the Bush Blues squad touring the Busselton-Margaret River region. Hamilton-Wickham captain Ben Balcomb impressed behind the stumps, claiming nine catches as wicketkeeper. Stockton leg-spinner Aaron Bills' tournament was unfortunately cut short after just one appearance due to a biceps injury.
"Benny went really well... Good tournament with the gloves," Burley said. "Billsy... still ran drinks and was a good teammate on the sideline. Bit of a tough trip for him."
In the women's Australian Country Championships held in the Barossa Valley, local talent also shone. Emma-Jayne Howe from Waratah-Mayfield finished as the leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets at an average of just 8. Bush Breakers debutant Kate McTaggart scored 197 runs at 39.4, helping NSW secure runners-up status.
The 2026 Australian Country Championships have wrapped up, but for Patrick Moore, the memories of a breakthrough summer that took him from club cricket to national recognition will undoubtedly last a lifetime.
