Cricket Far North: Dream Team: Justin Reid picks his best-ever XI

Ahead of the electrifying CFN first grade grand final showdown between Rovers and Mulgrave this Saturday, Mulgrave stalwart Justin Reid, a player who has won it all in Far North cricket, picks his best-ever XI.

Mulgrave captain Justin Reid with the winner's trophy after claiming victory in the Cricket Far North Grand Final match held at Griffiths Park. Picture: Brendan Radke

Ahead of the electrifying CFN first grade grand final showdown between Rovers and Mulgrave this Saturday at Walker Road Precinct, Mulgrave stalwart Justin Reid, a player who has won it all in Far North cricket, picks his best-ever XI. With a combined eight first-grade two-day comp and one-day comp championships, and over a dozen T20 and one-day (before the two-day competition was discontinued) trophies, Reid has played with the best of the best and found it challenging to pick only twelve of his current and previous Mulgrave teammates. Check out the full line-up below.

1. Wade Frazer

A club legend at Mulgrave, Frazer was a rock at the top of the order. The fearless batsman would punish the best bowlers in the Far North with ease.

Cricket Far North A grade one-day semi-final between Innisfail and Mulgrave. Mulgrave's Wade Frazer.

2. Jacob Stanton (C) – A fantastic leader for Mulgrave over a number of seasons, he notched a courageous century in a final against Atherton in 2012. Would use his Gray Nicholls bat with force and drive shots hard for multiple boundaries.

Cricket Far North play against the Indian Under 22 Madhya Pradesh team at Griffith Park, Manunda. Photo of Jacob Stanton. Picture: Brendan Radke.

3. Justin Reid (WK) – Current Mulgrave captain and a huge factor in the Toads accumulation of trophies over the past two decades.

Mulgrave's captain Justin Reid is ready for Cricket Far North first-grade season start this weekend. Picture: Stewart McLean

4. Josh Langtree – A club legend at Mulgrave, played first-grade cricket in Brisbane. A calm and composed batsman who would always pick the gaps consistently.

Cricket Far North A grade match between Mulgrave and Innisfail at Fretwell Park. Mulgrave's Josh Langtree

5. Barry Weare – A trailblazer in the Far North who would bash the ball around with ease. An entertaining player to watch capable of pitching in with spin on the flip side of the innings.

Action from the Cricket Far North match between Norths and Mulgrave, held at Griffiths Park, Manunda. Mulgrave's Barry Weare put in a strong batting performance. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

6. Jake Roach – One of few on this team who is still slashing the ball around in First Grade. Roach is an experienced gun who regularly strikes fear into bowling brigades across Far North.

Cricket Far North First Grade one-dayers. Norths v Mulgrave at Griffiths Park. Mulgrave's Jake Roach leaving the field after scoring 104 runs. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN

7. Grant Phillips

Phillips scored crucial centuries in high stakes matches including an incredible 159 run innings in the two-day comp final against Barron River in 2015. A player who would take a while to settle at the crease, before he began smoking shots all over the field.

Grant Phillips bating in the Barron River v Mulgrave cricket match.

8. Neville Philp

Philp was a lethal left-arm pace bowler who would inflict serious damage on opposition top orders. Tall with a powerful bowling action, Justin Reid believes he’s the best he’s ever seen.

20 20 Cricket played at Griffiths Park 1 United batting vs. Mulgrave fielding: Bowler Neville Philp (Mulgrave)

9. Dan Kendrick

A leg spinner who spent a number of season in Adelaide, Kendrick came to the Far North and dominated. He won player of the year in 2013 and 2014, using his distinct ability to bowl leg-spin at an elite level, before switching it up and bowling off spin.

Cairns Cricket – Norths v Mulgrave at Griffiths Park. Mulgrave's Dan Kendrick bowling

10. Andrew Henderson

An unbelievable leg-spinner, Henderson had a talent for turning the ball like very few could. A consistent wicket-taker, Henderson would outsmart bowlers with cunning deliveries.

11. Wade Matthews

Key quickie Wade Matthews was a force to be reckoned with in his prime. A strike bowler who navigate his way past the best local batsman and often finish with his sides best-bowling figures.

Cairns Cricket Mulgrave v Rovers at Walker Road Sporting Complex. Mulgrave's Wade Matthews. PICTURE: STEWART MCLEAN

(12th man) Mitchell Croghan

A terrific all-rounder capable of snatching wickets with his swing bowling. Not the biggest hitter but a technical batsman that found ways to pierce gaps in the field and run hard between the wickets.

Cairns cricket Mulgrave v Barron River at Fuller Park, Edmonton. Mulgrave's Mitchell Croghan. Picture: Stewart McLean

Originally published as Cricket Far North: Dream Team: Justin Reid picks his best-ever XI