Cricket Far North: Cairns Post’s picks the best XI of the season
After a sensational season of cricket, we pick the top eleven guns of the CFN first grade competition. See who made the cut >>>
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After a sensational season of cricket, we pick the top eleven guns of the CFN first grade competition.
See our best XI including their run/wicket tally, average and best performance below and have your say in the comments.
Key: Name (Team) – Total runs/wickets, batting average/bowling economy (high score/best bowling)
1. Matthew Wilkins (WK) (Mulgrave) – 241 runs at 30.13 (71)
A high-quality batsman and wicketkeeper, Matthew Wilkins has been a driving force behind Mulgrave’s climb to the CFN first-grade minor premiership. Continually representing Far North and Queensland, he was still able to put together an array of classy performances, keeping a level head against strong opposition. The 19-year-old put in his best performance with an undefeated 71 runs from 69 balls in a top-of-the-table victory against Rovers in round eight. Outside of CFN, he helped steer Queensland Country Open to the Australian Country Cricket Championship, earning selection for the 2024 Australian Country Cricket team.
2. Seth McGinty (Rovers) – 384 runs at 38.4 (115)
Seth McGinty has well and truly established himself in the first-grade competition. McGinty hit the second-highest score of the season with a captivating 115* runs not out from 90 balls against Mareeba in the second last game of the season. The left-handed batsman hit the third-most boundaries (46) and the third-most sixes (12), forming key partnerships with his more experienced Rovers teammates at the top of the order. The Rovers opener has focused more on his batting under coach Andrew Phelps, however, McGinty still made an impact with the ball, taking 12 wickets for the season.
3. Adam Trewin (Barron River) – 362 runs at 51.71 (110)
Adam Trewin was the standout player of the competition for the first half of the season. At 22, he showcased both ferocity and focus with the bat, dominating premier CFN bowlers. Following a fantastic season in 2022-2023, the right-handed batsman elevated his game even further, using his signature cover drives and pull shots to wreak havoc throughout the 2023-2024 season. Trewin hit the fourth-most boundaries (42) and was instrumental in driving Barron River to strong totals, sometimes single-handedly.
4. Marcus Berryman (C) (Rovers) – 560 runs at 70 (95)
Rovers’ all-rounder Marcus Berryman has had a dominant year and should be named player of the season. The left-handed hard-hitter led first grade in batting average, most runs, equal-most 50s (4), and most boundaries, with an astonishing 60 shots darting past the ropes. Hitting bowlers out of the park and breaking windscreens, Berryman has been a huge part of Rovers’ 13-2 record. He could well be considered for this accolade with his bowling alone, having clocked up 15 wickets and achieved a best bowling of 4-17 against Norths in round 16.
5. Andrew Phelps (Rovers) – 483 runs at 48.3 (96)
Andrew Phelps has been in devastating form this season. Usually batting at first drop, he consistently takes on bowlers right from the start, applying pressure on the opposition and striking the ball with immense power. Phelps has accumulated the second-most runs, equalling the most 50s (4), and the second-most boundaries. As an aggressive, front-foot-oriented batsman, he has forged strong partnerships with McGinty, Berryman, and Edwards at the top of the order. Phelps smashed 164 runs in the last two games of the season and will undoubtedly be a pivotal factor in Rovers’ pursuit of the CFN title in the post-season.
6. Justin Reid (Mulgrave) – 213 runs at 42.6 (63)
A Mulgrave stalwart, Justin Reid used his experience and first-class batting polish to guide his side to the minor premiership. Switching seamlessly between opener and first drop, Reid often found himself at the crease when the winning runs were scored, proving to be one of the toughest batsmen to dismiss in the Far North. Despite missing several games due to representative duties, Reid showcased his prowess with a season-high 63* runs not out from 77 balls against Barron River in round 11.
7. Brenton Edwards (Rovers) – 27 wickets at 4.15 (5-22) & 302 runs at 37.75 (69)
Brenton Edwards is a formidable all-rounder who can turn the tide of the game with either bat or ball. Edwards concluded the season with the highest number of wickets, the most sixes (24), and ranked fifth in runs scored, suggesting he could merit a higher position in the team’s batting order. He has finished the season in sensational form and is poised to make a significant impact in the post-season.
8. Vicky Lefty (Mulgrave) – 18 wickets at 2.34 (4-9) & 166 runs at 23.71 (44)
Vicky Lefty is undoubtedly one of the most underrated cricketers in the league. While often featuring in the second-grade competition for Mulgrave Punjabi, this versatile all-rounder has been called upon for 11 matches this season and has proved to be instrumental. Despite finishing the season with the sixth-most wickets, it’s his exceptional ability to keep the run-rate down, crucial in the limited-over format, that has secured his place in the XI. Lefty boasts the most maidens in first grade (19) and holds the lowest economy rate (for players bowling over 10 overs), standing at 2.34 after 68 overs. Employing a range of spin variations and speeds to his advantage, he also makes valuable contributions with the bat, often occupying the role of opener or first drop.
9. Ben McCartney (Norths) – 20 wickets at 3.51 (6-21)
Norths’ leg-spinner Ben McCartney has enjoyed a breakout season, crafting an enigmatic bowling strategy that has dominated the Cricket Far North competition. Claiming the equal-fourth most wickets in first grade, he has relied on his fierce fundamentals to dismiss top-order batsman while maintaining an economical bowling rate. As Norths’ vice-captain, McCartney has often stepped up as captain in Angus Warnock’s absence, demonstrating astute field strategies to secure wickets while rarely conceding wides or no balls. Additionally, he has proven to be a valuable asset in the field with three run-outs, equalling the most in first grade.
10. Greg Misener (Atherton) – 22 wickets at 3.69 (5-21)
Atherton’s Greg Misener emerged as a silver lining during his side’s challenging start to the season and maintained his consistency and bowling prowess, contributing significantly to his team’s strong second half of the season and eventual progression to the post-season. With the second most wickets in the competition, Misener delivered a season-best performance against Norths in round 10, finishing with figures of 5-21. Renowned as a fantastic bowler, he has proven to be difficult to put away in the limited-over format.
11. Joel Stewart (Cassowary Coast) – 20 wickets at 3.15 (5-31)
Joel Stewart has been a consistent threat throughout the season, frequently breaking the bails with his bowling prowess. Despite Cyclones’ struggles, Stewart has remained a dangerous force on the field. With the fifth most wickets in the competition, he has showcased his talent on numerous occasions. Stewart’s highlight includes a five-wicket haul against Barron River in round five, along with strong performances against Norths in the opening round (3-28) and round eight (3-12). Notably, his extremely low economy rate of 3.15 runs per over has been particularly impressive.
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