Lachlan Carlyle, Sam Weir, Cooper Petterson make NSW cricket team
A group of teenage cricketers from the North Coast are demanding attention from Cricket Australia with standout performances for NSW. Find out who they are.
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Whether it’s the shores of Sawtell or the streets of Cudgen, the next big thing in Australian cricket could be strutting their stuff in the North Coast Cricket leagues.
Four North Coast juniors were chosen for the NSW/ACT U17 representative team for a State Challenge Tournament in Dubbo in January.
The country side was split into two teams, the Lions and the Kangaroos with Lee Kirk (Lions) and David Freedman (Kangaroos) as coaches.
They played a three-match series against representative teams from Sydney.
Four players made their case for big things in cricket and according to their coaches, they’ll be incredible players if they keep it up.
With Australia making the semi-final of the Under 19 Cricket World Cup this week, courtesy of stunning performances from fellow North Coast juniors, there’s no reason Cricket Australia wouldn’t have their eyes on these hot shots as well.
Lachlan Carlyle
Current club: Sawtell Cricket Club
Former club: Diggers Cricket Club Coffs Harbour
Position: Leg spin bowler
A teenager bowling leg spin is a beautiful sight and we know Australia’s all-time great Shane Warne is crying out for leg spinners at the senior level to step up.
Lachlan Carlyle is the definition of persistence and quality when it comes to twisting batsmen out of control at the crease.
His leg spin has pushed him into higher age groups since he was young.
He won Diggers Cricket Club’s Ken Robinson Trophy for the best U16 male cricketer and was having a glimpse into senior cricket.
His progress has bloomed at Sawtell where in 2021 he took an incredible 7/59 in 20.3 overs to help book his side a spot in the grand final.
His spin was pivotal again taking two wickets and earning Sawtell a second consecutive North Coast Premier League title.
Carlyle’s Country NSW Lions coach Lee Kirk was impressed with his consistency in Dubbo but singled him out for praise.
“He was the best of our spinners and bowled really consistently on all three days,” he said.
“After the era of Shane Warne he brought leg spin kids into the sport, leg spin is one of the hardest things to do in cricket - to do it consistently is incredible.”
Sam Weir
Current Club: Cudgen Cricket Club
Former Club: Ballina District
Position: Batsman
Cricket NSW has had their eye on Sam Weir for a number of years and it won’t be long before Cricket Australia does too.
The 16-year-old batsman has been selected and trialled for NSW State Challenge teams since he was 13.
Sam has already proven he can take the next step up with dominating performances at representative level.
In December last year he was outstanding in the Bradman Cup for North Coastal with a brilliant knock of 122* against the Central Coast.
He backed it up with 78* and two run outs against Country Lions and an average of 74 in the A W Green Shield tournament.
“Sam has a very bright future,” Country Kangaroos coach David Freedman said.
“He’s one of those players who is technically advanced, good temperament, keeps the scoreboard moving all the time and plays a low risk game.
“He’s going to be a very good player if he keeps it up.”
Cooper Petterson
Current Club: Rovers Cricket Club
Junior Club: Rovers Cricket Club
Position: Fast Bowler
Cooper Petterson got his first taste of international cricket at the age of 13.
He was selected to tour New Zealand for an U13 Indoor Cricket World Series in mid-2018 and was representing Mid North Coast District at the age of 12.
Originating from Kempsey, the pace bowler is now the leader of the attack for Rovers in the Macleay District with hat-tricks and all-round top performances becoming a regular habit.
“He’s a strong fella, he bowls good pace and is determined to succeed,” coach Freedman said.
“The figures from the State Challenge don’t add up that well for bowlers because it was a batter friendly wicket but he showed a professional mindset.”
Petterson is currently leading wicket-taker in the T20 first grade competition in Macleay District.
Charlie Howard
Current Club: Sawtell Cricket Club
Former Club: Bellingen Cricket Club
Position: Fast Bowler/All-rounder
Charlie Howard is yet another Sawtell product on the rise.
A fast bowler with deadly pace, and an improving hand with the bat, Howard has been busy in the past 18 months playing in six different tournaments.
His most impressive performance was knocking over Northern Inland Bolters with 4/25 for Coffs Coast Chargers in the Regional Men’s Bash Division.
He also took two wickets in Sawtell’s Grand Final win last year and recently represented North Coast in the Country Colts side in January.
His batting statistics need a boost, but his coach is confident his bowling ability more than compensates.
“Charlie Howard is developing nicely, really steady progression,” coach Freedman said.
“He has really good fast bowling attributes, technically he is very good, good pace and good attitude. ”
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