Townsville wicketkeeper crowned Queensland’s best following extensive vote
The votes have been counted and Queensland’s best wicketkeeper/fielder has been crowned. Discover who has taken the top gong from a group of 53 impressive athletes from across the Sunshine State here.
Warwick
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THE search for Queensland’s premier wicketkeeper/fielder is over, with a 20-year-old young gun crowned the Sunshine State’s best.
Lachlan Ford was voted by Newscorp readers as the best in the state, with a sustained late push getting the gloveman over the line.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE FULL RESULTS
THE TOP FIVE
Lachlan Ford (Townsville) - 13%
Ted Roker (Mackay) - 10%
Ryan Terry (Cairns) - 5%
Clint Thompson (Townsville) - 5%
Harrison Tzannes (Toowoomba) - 4%
BRISBANE METRO
SURAJ KRISHNAN (NAPOLEONS) - 0%
Suraj has been keeping wickets for many years while also contributing as a middle order batsman. He has many five dismissal matches under his belt and has vast experience, having kept wickets in Australia, Singapore and in India.
AKSHAY ASHOK (NAPOLEONS) - 0%
The athletic Ashok is not only Napoleons’ best fielder, he is also the team’s opening batsman.
He loves fielding in covers and outfield and is technically sound when it comes to catching and ground fielding.
OLIVER THOMPSON (COORPAROO) - 0%
Oliver Thompson has adapted to the CCC level of cricket, taking 19 catches and 3 stumpings in the 20/21 season while also representing QSDCA in the Plunkett Cup representative side which won its carnival.
RYAN BUTLER (COORPAROO) - 0%
Butler is an extremely athletic individual who covers ground quickly while also having a rocket for an arm. In the 2020/21 season for Coorparoo Butler claimed 31 catches and snared three run outs. He can field in any position.
ROHAN MCPHEE (GOLD CREST) - 0%
McPhee is the keeper who wasn’t meant to be.
Through circumstance McPhee was thrust into the responsibility of keeping and has become a reliable and consistent performer with the gloves while also batting at No.3.
McPhee has taken all this all in his stride and does and amazing job behind the stumps for
SHANE MCIVOR (GOLD CREST) - 0%
One of the youngest members of the Gold Crest club, he plays all year round and is an amazing fielder in any position.
He has taken some freakish catches at gully or running down a ball heading to the boundary – all the while being able to whip in an accurate ball over the stumps.
He can also stalk at cover to stifle the batter with a quick pick up and throw down of the stumps. He is the blonde assassin in the field.
DAVID WATTS (MATER HILL) - 0%
Watts is a steady and experienced presence behind the stumps – a veteran of more than 300 games of club cricket.
ANDREW HERBERT (MATER HILL) - 0%
A long-term captain of Mater Hill’s A1 grade Saturday side who recently led that team to the A1 premiership in the Saturday summer warehouse competition.
Herbert captains the team expertly from first slip, where he has hardly missed a chance. Indeed he is known to have held on to the toughest of catches.
MITCH SIEBENHAUSEN (ASHGROVE) - 1%
Safe as a bank behind the stumps and rarely lets a chance go to ground.
HAYDEN MUNCK (ASHGROVE) - 0%
He is a top quality and rarely gives any batsmen a chance when prowling in the field.
CAIRNS
LACHLAN SUTTON (BARRON) - 3%
Sutton’s form behind the stumps has coincided with Barron River’s march up the first grade ladder.
The team has improved to second, and Sutton’s part in an equal competition-best 13 dismissals (from just eight games) cannot be overstated.
He is the first man to double-digit catches, has one stumping but also assisted two run-outs.
RYAN TERRY (ROVERS) - 5%
One of the most consistent men behind the stumps, the Rovers gloveman is in fine touch this season.
He’s been part of 13 dismissals, an equal competition best, but it is his three stumpings which raises the eyebrow.
He’s quick as lightning, but with nine catches, proves he’s safe as well.
Sits second on the leaderboard this season, after finishing the 20/21 season in top spot with 27 catches, two stumpings and three assisted run-outs – in just 13 games
More than handy with the bat in hand as well.
JUSTIN REID (MULGRAVE) - 3%
One of the most explosive batsmen in the Far North, Reid kept the wicket in Mulgrave’s charge to the title in 20/21, and is doing so again.
The Toads have one foot in the door of the grand final, partly thanks to Reid, who scores runs for fun then backs up behind the stumps.
He has been part of 11 dismissals this season with nine catches and two stumpings from eight games, and last year was third overall with 13 catches and one stumping.
ANGUS WARNOCK (NORTHS) - 1%
The Far North’s representative gloveman pounces like a cat behind the stumps.
His hands are safe as houses, but it is the sheer rate of stumpings in recent years which should have batsman sitting a little further back in the crease.
In the 2021/22 season he has seven catches and one stumping in just six games, but finished with 12 catches and four stumpings in 20/21.
He’s more than handy with the bat, too, making him an all-round threat.
PAUL NASSER (ATHERTON) - 1%
The big man from Atherton might just have the sharpest instincts in the competition.
The outstanding all-rounder is leading the competition in catches for a non-wicket-keeper in 2021/21 season, snaring eight catches in seven matches.
He’s got form in this area, having led the CFN first grade competition with 13 catches in 2020/21.
GOLD COAST
SAM BURDOCK (BAY) - 4%
Bay is flush with a number of ‘keeping options in its first grade side but Burdock was the man handed the gloves this season and he’s done a capable job.
JAMES MARTIN (COOMERA HOPE ISLAND) - 3%
A future coach of some promise, Martin’s rapid reflexes allow him to keep up to the stumps to almost any bowler. Martin was among the Crocs’ most consistent batsmen a season ago but is preparing to pass on the club’s gloves to the next generation.
STEVEN BAKER (BROADBEACH ROBINA) - 3%
Cut from the same cloth as the man who first stylised wicketkeeper-batsmen to the world, Baker’s ‘keeping and batting work share shades of Adam Gilchrist. A dominant force at the top or middle of the order with the bat, Baker – a former Sam Loxton Medal winner as the Coast’s best cricketer – is just as capable behind the stumps as he is in front of them.
JACK LICKISS (HELENSVALE PACIFIC PINES) - 1%
Lickiss loves a stumping. He’s combined with his two spinners to great success this season and is one of the more sure-handed ‘keepers in Coast cricket. Oh, and he’s pretty handy with the bat.
LACHLAN DIVEN (MUDGEERABA) - 1%
The Mudgeeraba opener also takes the gloves as a key cog in the team. Not afraid to stand up to the stumps when needed, Diven is a reliable ‘keeper who has taken his fair share of impressive catches so far this season. He’s a vocal field general but we’re told, unfortunately, he’s not much of a sledger.
CLAYE BEAMS (SURFERS PARADISE) - 2%
A skilled gloveman who can keep up to the stumps to just about every bowler. Beams has represented Gold Coast and captained the side, was captain and keeper of South Queensland and is one of two players going for selection in the Queensland Country side.
MACKAY
TED ROKER (SOUTHS SHARKS) - 10%
Roker has been inconsistent with the bat in hand for the Sharks this season, but when he has the gloves on there is no safer pair of hands in Mackay. He has taken 13 catches through the season so far, including an impressive haul of five in his last match out. Roker has also taken two stumpings for Souths this year. Roker leads the competition with dismissals with 15 in total.
JOSEPH HACKNEY (MACKAY BROTHERS) - 0%
When available, Hackney is one of the competition’s best keepers behind the stumps. However, the keeper is more of a T20 specialist, playing 13 in total while only managing one 40-over match. He has taken 14 catches and one stumping this season, as well as assisting in a run out.
MICHAEL COMERFORD (MACKAY BROTHERS) - 1%
Comerford is not a wicketkeeper by trade, instead taking the gloves when teammate Joseph Hackney is not available. But the middle-order batter has taken 12 catches, four behind the stumps, and claimed three stumpings. Comerford has only kept half of his 16 games across T20s and 40-over matches.
MELISSA PARTER (MACKAY BROTHERS) - 0%
Parter’s efforts behind the stumps cannot be understated. The Brothers women’s keep has taken five catches and a stumping, as well as recording three unassisted run outs. She leads the competition by a fair margin in all categories.
BENJAMIN ZURVAS (MACKAY MAGPIES) - 0%
Magpies keeper Zurvas has been consistent with his keeping, rarely recording byes and holding a safe pair of hands. The Magpie has recorded 12 catches behind the stumps, as well as three assisted run outs and two stumpings.
ROCKHAMPTON/GLADSTONE
STEVEN MUNCHOW (GRACEMERE BULLS) - 1%
Fields at mid-wicket and covers a lot of ground or is Gracemere’s boundary rider. Has made rep teams based on his ability to field. He has a great set of hands and the ability to do something special in the field to change the momentum of the game, whether that be a runout or taking a spectacular catch.
TRAVIS APPLEWAITE (FRENCHVILLE FALCONS) - 2%
Super athletic, Travis generally fields in the deep, especially when Frenchville’s spinners are in action. He’s fast across the field, has a great arm and possesses a safe set of hands. He’s happy to take batsmen on if they’re going for that extra run.
HAYDEN BUSK (ROCKHAMPTON BROTHERS) - 0%
A talented batsman, Hayden’s versatility in the field is one of his greatest assets. He can cover ground quickly and has a great set of hands that has allowed him to grab a number of impressive catches and to limit opposition batters’ scoring opportunities.
JASON SENG (THE GLEN) - 2%
He’s a fielder who is prepared to put his body on the line for his team. He generally fields in the covers or on the boundary where his athleticism really comes into play.
ASHER COLLEY (CAPRICORN COAST PARKANA) - 0%
An experienced campaigner, Asher offers one of the safest sets of hands in the slips cordon. He’s been known to pull off some amazing catches there and rarely misses an opportunity. He was previously one of the team’s best in the covers but has made the position behind the stumps his own.
SUNSHINE COAST
MATT SCHUBERT (CABOOLTURE) - 0%
Undoubtedly one of the most consistent performers on the Sunshine Coast with the gloves and with the bat. His energy as Caboolture captain is unmatched with his general tactics and ability causing the opposition batsman to regularly second guess themselves. To top it off his aggressive work with the bat is just as influential, hitting the second most sixes and a total of 549 runs in the competition this season.
ZANE JENKO-WIHACK (NAMBOUR) - 1%
One of the youngest keepers in the competition Jenko-Wihack hasn’t shied away from performing against the Coasts best. With only a dozen games under his belt the youngster has shown plenty of promise with the gloves and one that many say has a big future ahead of him.
LOGAN BEUTEL (COOLUM) - 2%
After making the move from Mundubbera to further his cricketing journey the 17-year-old is yet to put a foot wrong. His work behind and in front of the stumps have been a factor of his all round skill set and a big reason for his standout performances this season.
MATT WATSON (MAROOCHYDORE) - 1%
The extremely talented youngster, originally from New South Wales, finished his juniors at Maroochydore before leaping into the senior side. Regarded by his coaches as the best keeper on the Sunshine Coast his all round skill set covers every aspect a good wicky needs. With shades of an experienced veteran Watson has added to his skillset with some handy scores in front of the crease.
CODY PYNE (TEWANTIN-NOOSA) - 4%
One of the more chirpy keepers on the Coast, Pyne is known for dishing out but also taking on a bit of chat from not only the opposition but also his own teammates. With plenty of energy from behind the stumps Pyne sets the tone for the rest of his team and his growth in confidence has been a reflection on the scoreboard. Pyne currently leads the competition with the most wicketkeeper catches while also putting forward some handy scores with the bat.
MAX LE FEVRE (CALOUNDRA) - 0%
Another extremely energetic keeper, Le Fevre’s athletic and lively style of play can often put the opposition in two minds. With some decent performances in the middle order with the bat his glove work remains his leading attribute.
TRENT RIDDELL (GYMPIE) - 1%
In his first season with the club Riddell has slotted straight into the first grade team with some highly impressive performances. His knowledge and timing with the gloves has filled his bowlers with confidence and his work at the top of the with the bat has been nothing short of impressive.
CURTIS MCALLISTER (GLASSHOUSE) - 0%
McAllister’s attacking nature from behind the stumps has excited many this season. Regarded as an up and coming talent who isn’t afraid of taking on every opportunity, McAllister is always looking to break the game open. His aggressive and exciting mentality on the field has earned him a spot on this list.
TOOWOOMBA
DEAN SULLIVAN (UNIVERSITY) - 3%
The University player is quietly building a reputation as one of the region’s most reliable keeper-bats.
Had a tremendous Harding-Madsen Shield campaign that saw him average 44.60 and bring up three half centuries, as well as five catches and two stumpings from seven games across all competitions so far.
Is backing up a huge 2020-21 season, where he took six catches in a match and six stumpings for the season.
BRANDON WALKER (NORTHERN BROTHERS DIGGERS) - 2%
While he hasn’t been able to score runs as consistently as he would like with the bat this season, Walker’s glovework has been strong as usual.
The 25-year-old has eight catches and a stumping from six games, including twice landing three catches behind the stumps.
Taking on more of a leadership role as captain this season.
HARRISON TZANNES (SOUTHERN DISTRICTS) - 4%
One of the region’s bright young talents, Tzannes is coming of age in front of our eyes for Southern Districts.
Made people stand up and take notice with a knock of 58 runs to help the Magpies claim the Toowoomba one-day title, where he also finished with a stumping.
Sharp behind the wickets, Tzannes is a regular in rep sides and poised for bigger and better things.
MATTHEW NUNN (WESTERN DISTRICTS) - 2%
There aren’t many bigger shoes to fill than those of Chris Gillam, but Western Districts gloveman Matthew Nunn is doing just that.
Ended the season with twin half centuries from his final three outings, Nunn has been a reliable commodity behind the stumps.
Taken five catches from seven senior A-grade outings and is one of Toowoomba’s brightest young U20s prospects.
BEN ANDERSON (HIGHFIELDS-RAILWAYS) - 3%
Anderson is a reliable player for Highfields-Railways, and a real leader at the club.
Started the year with a blistering knock, and is looking to regain that form with the bat, however Anderson has been solid as always with the gloves.
Taken five catches for the season from seven senior A-grade outings, backing up an average of a catch per game last season.
RUKSHAN MAHENDRARAJ (METROPOLITAN-EASTS) - 0%
One of the most talented keepers in the competition, the Metropolitan-Easts player has been in hot form in 2021/22.
Starting the season out with Wynnum-Manly in Brisbane grade, Mahendraraj has returned for the two-day season with the Trojans.
Picked up where he left off, taking five catches and a stumping in his first two outings.
PAT BOURKE (MARYVALE) - 4%
The Warwick opener is enjoying a fine year with the bat to start the Warwick Cricket Association season.
Averaging 72 for the season, along with four catches from five games, Bourke’s form at the crease and in the field has helped his side to be right there in line for finals contention.
Doesn’t drop many and is a positive influence in the field.
ROHAN BRADY (STANTHORPE RSL) - 2%
The Stanthorpe young gun has had a great 2021/22 season to date, firing with the bat for RSL in the Stanthorpe competition and superb behind the stumps for Stanthorpe in the Mitchell Shield.
Averaging 23.3 with the bat at A-grade level and has taken three catches and a stumping for the reps in two games.
TOWNSVILLE
BRENDAN HAYLETT (TOWNSVILLE BROTHERS) - 2%
The athletic Brendan Haylett patrols the covers and mid-wicket for Brothers, where his mobility extends his sphere of influence on the field to full effect. Haylett excels at cutting off singles along the ground but is also blessed with a safe pair of hands and a strong arm into the keeper. Batsmen are always kept on their toes.
MATTHEW AHERN (WANDERERS) - 3%
The talented outfielder was promoted to wicketkeeper this season after a sterling catching record left teammates wondering if he’d dropped even one catch in the past five seasons. Ahern is never afraid to put his body on the line and the catches have already started to come.
JORDAN VAN DEN BERG (NORTHERN BEACHES) - 1%
The tall timber’s huge wingspan has made him the fielding tone-setter in the Northern Beaches covers. The newly promoted club finds plenty of leadership in the field from ‘VB’, whose surprising turn of pace and a “brilliant” arm are his side’s deadliest weapons in the field.
CLINT THOMPSON (SUB PARKS) - 5%
The quickest pair of gloves in the north. Thompson’s rapid reflexes have seen him keep up to the stumps for every bowler in his team, spin or pace, with irregular dismissals – like stumpings off pace bowling – a common sight. His hand speed behind the stumps to whip off the bails is something to behold.
WINNER - LACHLAN FORD (WESTS) - 13%
The most memorable fielders are the ones who buckle under the pressure of a soaring high ball. For the opposite, the fielders who make every chance look simple by never taking a wrong step, it can be harder to stand out. Wests’ Lachlan Ford can sail under the radar at times because, like a Swiss watch, the 20-year-old is nearly always perfect in the field.
CHRIS STANGER (NORTHS) - 3%
In a competitive field, Stanger’s knack for the brilliant catch see him edge other talented catchers in the field. Stanger’s instincts for taking the catch are unparalleled. A caught-and-bowled last year, bowling around the wicket only to launch himself across the stumps to take the catch on off side, summed up his abilities in the field.
Originally published as Townsville wicketkeeper crowned Queensland’s best following extensive vote
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