Atherton family trio head south for cricket’s next chapter
Emerging Atherton brothers take on new challenge in Brisbane.
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Atherton brothers Angus and Finn Vikionkorpi – prodigies in the Cricket Far North first-grade competition – are embarking on a new challenge in Brisbane.
Accompanied by their father, Ben, the family’s move aims to give the damaging brothers the opportunity to advance their cricketing careers.
“The main priority is to give the boys a real chance at professional cricket,” Ben Vikionkorpi said.
Ben Vikionkorpi sees this relocation as a crucial opportunity for greater access to high-level competition, a key step in their development.
Angus, 17, is already establishing himself as a player to watch, being named in the North Queensland Under-18 team set to face South Queensland in April.
He has set his sights on making the Queensland Country Under-18 team.
The tough paceman with surprising speed and the ability to bowl a heavy ball, made his senior debut at just 14.
Before going on to share a unique experience with his father by winning the 2021-22 fourth grade competition.
“As a parent, it’s a dream to play cricket with both your sons,” Ben said.
“It’s not something that comes around too often and sharing a premiership with Gus in 2021 was awesome.”
Finn, 15, cracked into the first grade side for Atherton late last season before being afforded even greater opportunities this campaign.
With a fierce approach to both batting and bowling.
Ben describes his younger son as a naturally aggressive player who excels at taking on the game.
“He’s a batsman who doesn’t like to play it safe,” Ben said.
“Loves taking on the bowlers, scoring runs, turning the game and that aggression comes out in his bowling too. He loves putting pressure on the batters and taking wickets.”
The cunning pace bowler is making strides in the Queensland cricket scene.
His impressive performances with the Northern Flames in 2024 include being the highest run scorer in the U15 carnival in September and later earning the Tom Frankling Medal for Player of the Carnival at the U15 Northern Hub in Townsville the following month.
The move to Brisbane also means more exposure to elite competition for Finn, who is on a scholarship with Nudgee College, while Angus balances an advanced finance and economics degree at University of Queensland with his cricket.
Both brothers now play grade cricket for Sandgate Redcliffe District Cricket Club, a club that will help them further hone their skills.
Ben Vikionkorpi’s experience and crafty pace will be a tough loss for the Atherton side currently sitting third on the table.
The 44-year old began his career with Norths – with a brief stint at Barron River – before lining up for Douglas Cricket Association for over a decade.
He later became a life member of the Muddies for his service as president and vice president of the club, while winning three premierships as a player.
While the Vikionkorpi family moves south, the void left in Atherton’s first-grade team will provide opportunities for the next generation.
Tyler and Cody Misener, Riley Lennon, Tallas Blaney, Nathan Daley, Matthew Coleman and Lewis Nasser are a few gifted cricketers gunning for an opportunity.
These players will have the chance to step up and carry the legacy of Atherton cricket into the future.
The young stars are ready to take on the challenge as the Vikionkorpi family heads toward the next big stage in their cricket journey.
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