Ready to shine at cricket comp

WHETHER it’s with the bat, the ball or in the field, expect Sam McLean, Oliver Cronin and Hamish McClintock to shine at this year’s Lismore Cricket Carnival.

POISED FOR ACTION: Looking forward to impressing at this year’s Lismore Under-12 Cricket Carnival are, from left, Sam McLean, Oliver Cronin and Hamish McClintock. Picture: Stuart Turner

WHETHER it's with the bat, the ball or in the field, expect Sam McLean, Oliver Cronin and Hamish McClintock to shine at this year's Lismore Under-12 Cricket Carnival.

The trio are all in the FNC squads for this year's tournament, which gets under way today and features promising cricket talents from across the state.

Lismore leg spinner Sam will be hoping to repeat his success at last year's tournament, where he was one of the standout performers for the FNC Futures side.

The 10-year-old also came close to taking a much-cherished hat-trick during one of his matches.

"We had an LBW shout on the third one, but the umpire didn't give it," he said.

"I couldn't believe it.

"I ended up getting three wickets in that match, though, so I was pretty happy."

Four FNC teams are lining up for this year's four-day event - Gold, Green, the Sixers and Futures.

Twelve other sides, including teams from Sydney, the Central Coast and Newcastle, are also featuring.

All-rounder Oliver said he was hoping to impress for his FNC Green side.

The 11-year-old from Ocean Shores also shone at last year's tournament, making a 30 against one of the tough Sydney teams.

"You know you are up against some quality teams, so to do well is a good feeling," he said.

"It's a great carnival. You get to make friends and play alongside heaps of good players. I'm aiming to make good scores, finish with good figures and make our team one of the best."

Meanwhile, Hamish is hoping to emulate the Summer success of Aussie skipper Michael Clarke.

The 11-year-old, who will captain the FNC Gold squad at the tournament , has been watching admiringly as Clarke led his team to the Ashes whitewash against England.

"It's exciting being the captain, but a bit nerve-racking as well," the Ballina player said.

"I like how sometimes you are getting smashed all over the place and are a bit unsure what to do - then someone takes two in two balls and you are back in it.

"I'm hoping to make a couple of half-centuries, take five wickets in a match - and make some friends."

Top Australian players have previously played in the annual carnival, to be played at ovals across the city.