Best Northern Rivers cricket players in LJ Hooker premier league
There are plenty of Northern Rivers players to get excited about as the LJ Hooker Premier League takes off. Here are the top picks from each of the 11 teams lining up this season.
Lismore
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lismore. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The North Coast’s best cricketers are back in the nets warming up for the start of a new season of top grade competition.
Here are the players to watch when the LJ Hooker Premier League takes off.
Alstonville Cricket Club
- Will Barnes
- Toby Mumford
Team captain Kyle Yager said Will Barnes was a young fast bowler who had come through the club’s junior system and had proven himself in the premier league, taking 24 wickets last year.
“With a year’s experience in the top grade we are excited to see what he can achieve this year,” Yager said.
He said Toby Mumford was another young fast bowler who had similarly graduated through the junior levels to make a mark in the premier league.
“He is very impressive at training and we can’t wait to get him out on the field again this year,” Yager said.
Ballina Bears Cricket Club
- Sam Norris
- Joe Lee
Ballina Bears Cricket Club president Phil Melville said top order batsman Sam Norris was one to watch having played his junior cricket with the club.
“We’re confident of bigger, better things from Sam this season,” Melville said.
He said the club was also expecting big things from Joe Lee, another top order batsmen.
“He was the leading run scorer last year and can turn a game around with the bat,” Melville said.
Casino RSM Cavaliers
- Tim Martin
- Matt Bradshaw
Club president Michael Wood said Tim Martin was a gritty, top order batsman with a style and an array of shots that many likened to the great David Boon.
He said Martin had played in ACT/NSW Country U19 squads and had been coached by Cavaliers legend Sam Irvine.
Wood said top order batsman Matt Bradshaw knew how to hit a target.
Experienced in the North Coast Zone Kookaburra Cup, Bradman Cup and NSW Country indoor competitions, Wood said Bradshaw would play a crucial role again this season.
Cudgen Cricket Club
- Caleb Ziebell
- Alec Williams
Cudgen coach Anthony Kershler and club president Jamie Wilson said Caleb Ziebell and Alec Williams were both Country NSW players who were looking to follow up on their outstanding seasons last year and push for representative selection again.
Ziebell was a former Australian country player of the year.
He and Williams both scored 1000 runs last season.
Goonellabah Workers Sports Cricket Club
- Kale Hare
- Damien Santin
Head coach Graham Armstrong said Kale Hare was a testament to the fibre and essence of the club: grit, courage and determination.
“Kale has been waiting for this opportunity to play at the highest level for the club where it all started for him and I know he won’t disappoint,” Armstrong said.
He said Hare performed well as a top or middle order batsman as well as being dynamic in the field.
Armstrong said Damien Santin would lead the attack this season.
“His drive to achieve perfection has impressed me during pre-season,” Armstrong said.
“He has the skill set to use both the new and old ball with pinpoint accuracy and control.
“He also has experience at this level and now has the opportunity to display his skills in the Goonellabah strip, a club which he is proud to be a part of.
“I know he will do a good job for us this season.”
Lennox Head Cricket Club
- Nick Asser
- Ryan Kernaghan
Club president Bruce Young praised the efforts of many of the team but picked out Nick Asser and Ryan Kernaghan.
He said Asser was good with the bat and the ball, having taken 5 wickets for 27 as his record.
Young said Kernaghan had been pushing his bowling in pre-season.
Kernaghan took the 5th most wickets last season with 4 for 34 in one match.
Marist Brothers Cricket Club
- Brendan Mitchell
- Zayd Thomas
Coach Henry Harris said Brendan Mitchell was the new captain of the side and Mr Consistent.
This season will be Mitchell’s second in the premier league.
“After a great year last season with the ball we are hoping for a similar year for dominating top order batsmen,” Harris said.
“With the captain badge next to his name I’m sure Brendan will thrive leading the team and also love the responsibility of opening the bowling innings as well.”
Up and coming middle order batsman, Thomas has been hitting the ball consistently in pre-season. With two years in LJ Hooker competition now he will be a force in the middle order this year.
Pottsville Cricket Club
- Jack Corliss
- Brodie McDowell
- Nathan Pryke
Captain Jamie Bennett said he had three junior players who had come right through from U12s and were now at first grade level.
He said Jack Corliss was a left arm fast bowler.
“Genuine wicket taker that is looking to make his mark known this season,” he said.
He said Brodie McDowell was the team’s wicket keeper and a batsman.
“Extremely talented junior debuting last season who is pushing the limits in 1st grade cricket,” Bennett said.
“He is a level headed young man who is faultless with the gloves.”
Bennett described Nathan Pryke as a “class A all-rounder”.
“Another junior that debuted last season but has put in a massive pre-season, we’re expecting big things to come from him,” he said.
“Nate can turn a game with a bat or ball.”
Tintenbar-East Ballina Cricket Club
- Abe Crawford
- Steve Leahy
President Nathan Hoey said Abe Crawford was an out and out game winner with the bat.
“But he proved to everyone and himself that he can be just as dangerous with the ball by taking 30 wickets at an average of 12.63 last season,” Hoey said.
Crawford won player of the Season last year and has been handed the captain’s hat for 2021/22.
Hoey said Steve Leahy was an experienced campaigner who could mix it with the best bowlers in the competition.
He said Leahy could also boost the morale of the team and together with Crawford helped the young side by leading with passion and drive to win every battle.
“He is a very smart bowler who can dominate a quality batting attack,” Hoey said.
“Despite being an out and out quick Steve has shown his heart while holding the willow, producing a number of much needed batting performances to save the side at certain times throughout his career.”
WATCH: Moment man with baseball bat turns on kids
Wild footage has emerged of a northern NSW man armed with a baseball bat charging towards two young boys on e-bikes, with one screaming “trying to hit little kids are ya?” See the video.
G’day: Alleged drug dealer busted on bail at Bandidos catch up sesh
An alleged drug dealer ordered to stay away from bikies while on bail was found by cops at a secluded Mid-North Coast property in the midst of a large gathering of high ranking Bandidos –apparently just to say g’day.