With participants situated as far afield as India, the United States, South Africa and New Zealand, the Last Man Stands (LMS) format consists of teams of eight players contesting matches lasting up to two hours at a time with 20 overs per innings, and five balls per over.
The rules state that batters must retire after reaching 50 runs, with the final batter - or the Last Man Standing - then tasked with facing balls alone after the seventh wicket falls.
Shepparton’s own dedicated Last Man Stands league was established earlier in 2026, with the first-ever Shepparton Smash now set to take place down at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve between September 25 and 27.
Following the first bowl at 8.30am on all three days of play, participants can expect fast-paced T20 matches, live-streamed games and a Dream Team competition throughout the tournament.
Teams of eight players are being sought, with organisers aiming to put stage a tournament for six to eight teams, with existing LMS sides and local cricket clubs and groups of friends encouraged to sign up to take part.
A minimum of three games are guaranteed for teams, with each player batting and bowling during the tournament, with a cash prize on the line for the competition winners.
As part of the Long Weekend event, the Cricket Cart will be set up all weekend, handing out prizes to standout players.
The Mooroopna Cricketers Family Hotel will also host evening events across the weekend supporting charity, giving players, supporters and families the perfect place to unwind after each day's LMS action.
On Grand Final Saturday, players will come together to watch the AFL Grand Final on the big screen too.
The concept is similar to Border Bash, held in Albury, in that the event is being held to raise funds for a good cause.
In this case, the funds raised will go to the family of a four-year-old boy from the region, who is fighting a tumour.
Organiser JJ Burton is looking forward to welcoming teams from across the region to take part in the first edition of the Shepparton Smash.
“It’s the inaugural weekend tournament over the AFL Grand Final weekend, and it’s a mini version of what we do up in Albury with Border Bash,” he said.
“This year we’re going to raise money for a young four-year-old boy who has a tumour behind his eyes, which is causing him to go blind.
“His uncle has played LMS cricket all winter and we’re supporting his family with fundraising.
“The ultimate idea is that we can bring cricketers together to enjoy a weekend of fast-paced cricket before club cricket gets going.
“It gives them an opportunity to bat, bowl and field and get themselves ready - while we’re doing that, we’re bringing the LMS community together, making new mates, with some fun twists.
“It’ll hopefully make for a really good atmosphere in Shepparton!”
You can register your interest in entering a team by contacting the Last Man Stands Albury-Wodonga & Shepparton Facebook page or by emailing the organisers on: Shepparton@lastmanstands.com.au
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