Cricket Far North: Atherton father-son duo combine for seven wickets

Atherton father-son duo Ben and sixteen-year old Angus Vikionkorpi combined for seven wickets in a dominant display against powerhouse Rovers at Loder Park.

Atherton's Angus Vikionkorpi bowls in the match against Norths in Cricket Far North's first grade at Cazalys Stadium. Picture: Jake Garland

Atherton father-son duo Ben and sixteen-year old Angus Vikionkorpi combined for seven wickets in a dominant bowling display despite a loss to powerhouse Rovers at Loder Park.

Angus Vikionkorpi blitzed through the top order, starting with a wicket-maiden in the innings opener, but a blistering Brenton Edwards knock steered Rovers to a 56-run victory.

He then claimed the huge wicket of Rovers coach Andrew Phelps in his second over before notching fellow young gun Seth McGinty for his 16th wicked of the season.

His father Ben Vikionkorpi also performed strongly finishing with 2-31 from eight overs.

Rovers all-rounder Edwards said Angus Vikionkorpi was a rising gun of the Far North.

“I definitely noticed the difference from the last time we played (Atherton),” Edwards said.

“He’s clearly worked with his old man with his bowling action.

“It’s paid dividends and he hit good areas early. You want the young pace bowlers like Angus and Henry King to make the batsmen play and ask questions early.

“It’s great to see the young fella coming through.”

Brenton Edwards batting for Rovers. Cricket Far North first grade. 2024. Photo: Gyan-Reece Rocha

With Rovers on the back foot with 3-23, Edwards came to the crease and batted with ferocity smashing 67 runs from 71 balls including 5 sixes.

He put on strong partnerships with Marcus Berryman (34 runs from 40 balls and 3-29)

and Bobby Brix (34 runs from 29 balls) guiding his side to a strong total of 211 runs.

Man of the match Edwards said his innings with the bat gave him confidence to perform with the ball (3-40 from 8 overs).

Atherton captain Tom Boorman (l) and Atherton life member Anthony Muoio (r) holding the Muoio-Ferguson shield.

“If you score some runs and still have to bowl, you come into the innings with real confidence,” he said.

“It is a by-product of being an all-rounder and I try and contribute as much as I can for the side.”

“(However) I have a healthy confidence in my ability so I back myself in any situation.

“Whether we’re three down with not many runs, I still try and play the same way.”

Rovers secured the Muoio-Ferguson Shield with the win.

An annual event between the two first grade sides, the shield is named in honour of Atherton life member Anthony Muoio and Rovers stalwart Greg Ferguson.

Elsewhere, the battle for wooden spoon took place at Borzi Park where Cassowary Coast were able to chase down a 167 run total against Mareeba with nine balls remaining in a tight finish.

Norths v Barron River was cancelled due to poor weather conditions.

Mulgrave had the bye.

Originally published as Cricket Far North: Atherton father-son duo combine for seven wickets