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Green Shield cricket preview 2022/23: Your ultimate guide to the U16s clubs and players

Featuring 300 players from across NSW, this month sees the return of the Green Shield, Sydney’s premier U16 cricket league. MEET THE STARS AND THE 63 PLAYERS TO WATCH.

STARTING on Tuesday 20 December, the next generation of NSW’s top cricketers will showcase their talents in what is widely regarded as the best junior club competition in the world, the A W Green Shield.

The elite under-16 junior competition has seen players such as Australian Test cricket stars Steve Smith and Pat Cummins emerge through the ranks.

Featuring sides from all 20 NSW Premier Cricket clubs, the six-week competition includes seven preliminary rounds and a top-eight finals series with the winner decided in the grand final on Thursday, 26 January 2023.

Meet the 300 young cricketers ready for action.

BANKSTOWN

Captain: Riley Collison

Coaches: Chris Ridley and Nick Carruthers

Players to watch: A tall left-armer, Luca Croft provides steepling bounce and pace and is known for his damaging efforts with the willow in the lower order. Just as sharp, Hassaan Jamil is an attacking alternative with his skiddy right-arm seamers.

Of the spinners, leggie Reagan Sidhu gives the ball a big rip and consistently lands them on a length.

Why they will be competitive: Five players return from last season’s group and many in the squad have been performing well in the lower grades and at the youth championships. With four NSW Pathways players (Collison, Croft, Jamil and Sidhu) and two strong performing country players (Richardson and Gilbert), Bankstown are expected to move up the ladder.

Squad list: Cooper McMahon, Hassaan Jamil, Jack Ashburner, James, Fitzgerald, Joshua Peters, Lachlan Snell, Luca Croft, Matthew Fitzgerald, Max Richardson, Praneel Kavuri, Reagan Sidhu, Riley Collison, Taishi Reynolds, Taylor Gilbert, Thomas Lewis Budge.

Last season finish: 13th

Number of titles: 15 – 1962/63, 1964/65, 1965/66, 1969/70, 1982/83, 1988/89, 1990/91, 1998/99, 1999/00 (as Bankstown-Canterbury), 2002/03, 2003/04, 2009/10, 2010/11, 2013/14, 2014/15

BLACKTOWN MOUNTIES

Captain: Jaylen Mallawaratchy

Coach: Matt Mortimer, Gavin Mallawaratchy (Manager)

Players to watch: A student at Patrician Brothers Blacktown, Jaylen Mallawaratchy is set to play a vital cog in the Blacktown campaign. In addition to keeping wickets and opening the batting, the 15-year-old will also be the team’s captain. Now in his third season of Green Shield, his natural leadership is sure to be a feature.

Ravi Soin-Abayakoon is an off spinner who is fast developing into a quality all-rounder. Also dynamic in the field, the Castle Hill High School student recently represented Sydney West.

Blacktown Mounties Green Shield 2022-23, L-R Ravi Soin-Abayakoon and Jaylen Mallawaratchy. NSW Premier Cricket. Pictures: Blacktown Mounties Cricket Club
Blacktown Mounties Green Shield 2022-23, L-R Ravi Soin-Abayakoon and Jaylen Mallawaratchy. NSW Premier Cricket. Pictures: Blacktown Mounties Cricket Club

Why they will be competitive: With a squad full of talent and enthusiasm, coupled with several experienced regulars, Blacktown is primed to finish higher than last season.

Squad list: Ravi Soin-Abayakooni, Arin Bhagava, Roop Bhooi, Vivaan Bhosedale, Sai Chandrasekar, Sam Freedman, Blake Hutchison, Sajith Kundar, Jaylen Mallawaratchy, Jett Saxby, Karan Sharma, Gurjit Singh, Darsh Upilli, Rajvir Viirk, Olly Walker.

Last season finish: 16th

Number of titles: None

CAMPBELLTOWN CAMDEN

Captain: Kade Sutton

Coach: Shane Eva

Players to watch: Newcastle’s Kade Sutton brings a wealth of talent and leadership. The captain will bat in the top-four and challenge opponents with his cunning leg spin. Local batter Dean McCann recently announced himself on the grade scene, and the left-hander will want a repeat of the form that saw him explode to an unbeaten 134 in fifth grade against Bankstown.

Dean McCann, Campbelltown Camden Green Shield 2022-23, NSW Premier Cricket. Picture: Campbelltown Camden Cricket Club
Dean McCann, Campbelltown Camden Green Shield 2022-23, NSW Premier Cricket. Picture: Campbelltown Camden Cricket Club

Why they will be competitive: Campbelltown Camden field a young side in 2022-23, with just one player backing up from last season. While all members of the squad have representative experience, coach Shane Eva expects each member to grow as a competitive cricketer over the next two years.

Squad list: Kade Sutton, Ashzaad Awal, Osian Burge, Keiran Creighton, Braydon Carruthers, Aydin Hossen, Ramyak Jain, Rishab Luthra, Dean McCann, Baxter McDonald, Luke Smith, Sparsh Soni (wk), Jack Spragg, Jeremiah Wagg.

Last season finish: 6th

Number of titles: Four – 1995/96 (as Campbelltown), 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07 (as Campbelltown-Camden)

EASTERN SUBURBS

Captain: Toby Pallet

Coach: Mark Morley

Players to watch: Opening batter Lucas Robertson has scored plenty of runs in the GPS and Watson Shield this season and is much taller and stronger than last year. Another up for a big Green Shield campaign is left-arm leggie Yash Ghule, who recently bagged seven wickets on first grade debut in the Sydney Shires competition.

Another to keep an eye on is Stanley Gade. Returning from a serious shoulder injury, the hard hitting middle order specialist and exceptional fielder has developed his skills significantly since last season.

Why they will be competitive: Even though Easts field a relatively young squad, plenty now have grade experience and will be better for the events of last season. With a well-rounded bowling attack and more batting depth, look for them to climb higher on the ladder.

Squad list: Toby Pallet, Lucas Robertson, Rehaab Afzaal, Gurkeerat Singh, Yash Ghule, Aston Weir, Shaun Smith, Harrison Dunn, Joe Jones, Matt Downes, Stanley Gade, Will Livinasis, Henry Read, Arney Kadaganchi, Ashwin Rajeswaran.

Last season finish: 15th

Number of titles: Five – 1943/44, 1952/53, 1963/64, 1976/77 (all known as Waverley) and 2019/20

FAIRFIELD-LIVERPOOL

Captain: Keyan Patel

Coach: Mitch Yearsley

Players to watch: Yash Deshmukh comes with the reputation as an explosive top order batter. In addition, the multiskilled NSW Pathways rep also delivers challenging right-arm leg spin.

Captain Keyan Patel is another from the state pathways system and last season the right-arm leggie was the leading wicket taker at the U15 Youth Championships. Also an aggressive right-hander with the bat, Keyan will open the batting in the Green Shield.

U15 Country NSW player Quinn Cooper is a classical left-hand batter, and with the ball, he’s considered a more than useful right-arm leggie.

Why they will be competitive: Fairfield-Liverpool finished bottom of the table last summer, but with a host of rising rep stars they are well placed for significant improvement.

Squad list: Keyan Patel, Yash Deshmukh, Beau Goodall, Quinn Cooper, Loqman Tawakal, Harshit Naga, Bennet Kattakayam, Deep Rawat, Diptanshu Chand, Yash Singh, Ahan Vinod, Sharath Setty, Aidan Stanly, Saif Raza, Hrehan Shah.

Last season finish: 20th

Number of titles: Two – 1993/94, 2012/13

GORDON

Captain: Zack Winslow

Coach: Nick Miller and Matt Wright

Players to watch: The Stags will seek inspiration from their experienced Green Shield players Zack Winslow, Will Sutton and Ben Hocking, who are all backing up for their third season.

Gordon Green Shield 2022-23, L-R Ben Hocking and Zack Winslow, NSW Premier Cricket. Pictures: Gordon Cricket Club
Gordon Green Shield 2022-23, L-R Ben Hocking and Zack Winslow, NSW Premier Cricket. Pictures: Gordon Cricket Club

Why they will be competitive: With seven players returning to the side, it’s hard to see Gordon finishing lower than last season’s impressive fourth place. Strengthened by the addition of country boys Rory McLean (North Coast) and Jaylen Johnston (Central Coast), the squad has extended its depth. With one eye on the future, Gordon will also give six players their first taste of Green Shield competition.

Squad list: Jaeden Douglas, Tom Fuzes, Vivaan Gandhi, Aryan Gupta, Ben Hocking, Jaylen Johnston, Lucas Medford, Rory McLean, Justin Nielsen, Finn O‘Farrell, Oscar Patterson, Roby Robinson, Campbell Smith, Will Sutton, Zack Winslow.

Last season finish: 4th

Number of titles: Four –1950/51, 1951/52, 1955/56, 1986/87

HAWKESBURY

Captain: Jake Roeder

Coaches: Luke Kelleher and Hameed Kherkhah

Players to watch: Aarush Soni is a promising leg spinner currently in the NSW system, still only 15, the Hawkesbury talent has been playing Green Shield cricket since he was 12.

Jake Roeder has been named skipper and is expected to lead the side with his the hard hitting. Ben Boxshall promises to add plenty of fireworks from the top of the order where he usually takes on all bowlers.

Why they will be competitive: Hawkesbury are reported to have one of the better bowling attacks in the competition. They have six players returning from last season’s squad, and with the addition of two NSW Academy reps combined with an aggressive approach, they’ll pressure the top teams.

Squad list: Jake Roeder, Aarush Soni, Joshua Bawcombe, Ben Boxshall, Krish Mehta, Cooper Opdam, Shlok Patel, Abhay Ranganath, William Scanes, Jasper Sinclair, Tanav Singh, Sumair Sira, Will Smith, Lucas Vincent, Tanav Vinodh.

Last season finish: 12th

Number of titles: One –1994/95

MANLY WARRINGAH

Captain: Ethan Buchanan

Coach: Kev Davies

Players to watch: Newcastle recruit Tom Cover heads south with a reputation as a tidy gloveman and destructive middle order batter. With the new ball, Lewis Whiley is one to watch, and the blonde haired quick is also known for giving the ball a massive whack. Skipper Ethan Buchanan provides the all-round mix. With the bat he’ll start and the top, and with the ball, his medium pace will be a feature of the middle overs.

Why they will be competitive: The majority of the squad comes from the highly successful Manly U/17 District Association team, and there are also five players with previous Green Shield experience. Throw in the two handy country recruits and three rising U/15 players, and Manly are poised to finish higher than last season’s fifth place.

Squad list: Will Brewster, Ethan Buchanan, Tom Cover, Jack Donnan, Matt Evans, Ollie Goldsworthy, Myles Kapoor, Harry Kershler, Preston Lee, Julian Osbourne, Flynn Pavely, Archie Rochford, Robbie Tipton, Luke Watts, Lewis Whiley.

Last season finish: 5th

Number of titles: Seven – 1941/42, 1942/43, 1944/45, 1952/53, 1953/54, 1959/60, 1991/92

MOSMAN

Captain: Will Adlam

Coach: Ash Doolan and Max Papworth

Players to watch: The son of former Blues paceman Warwick, Will Adlam is considered one of the most exciting young players at the Mosman Cricket Club. With Poidevin-Gray Shield and NSW U17’s experience, the pace bowling all-rounder’s mix of talent and maturity is sure to be invaluable.

Wicketkeeper Alex Lee-Young provides plenty of energy behind the stumps. About to enter his third season of Green Shield, the St Ignatius College Riverview student has the ability to change a game with his sharp glovework and skills at the top of the order.

Mosman Green Shield 2022-23, L-R Kel Wilson and Alex Lee-Young. NSW Premier Cricket. Pictures: Mosman Cricket Club
Mosman Green Shield 2022-23, L-R Kel Wilson and Alex Lee-Young. NSW Premier Cricket. Pictures: Mosman Cricket Club

Josh Malone returns after taking 10 wickets last season, and the NSW Academy representative will spearhead the Whales pace attack using his mastery of swing bowling. Kel Wilson also returns, the Hunter Sports High student and opening batsman is back for his third season and will be looking to build upon his previous campaign where he finished with an average of 56.75, the sixth highest in the competition.

Mosman Green Shield 2022-23, L-R Josh Malone and Will Adlam. NSW Premier Cricket. Pictures: Mosman Cricket Club
Mosman Green Shield 2022-23, L-R Josh Malone and Will Adlam. NSW Premier Cricket. Pictures: Mosman Cricket Club

Why they will be competitive: Ten players return from last season’s side that were unlucky to miss out on a finals berth. An experienced batting line-up is expected to set an important foundation for a talented mix of tall seamers and dangerous spin combination. Most squad members have gained experience playing grade, which augurs well for this campaign and beyond.

Squad list: Will Adlam, Will Allen, Darcy Aylmer, Cooper Brown, Jacob Callaway, Max Circosta, Tom Cullen, Alex Ferretti, Austen Hiskens, Alex Lee-Young, Josh Malone, Tommy Molloy, Jonty Snyman, Angus Tesoriero, Kel Wilson.

Last season finish: 11th

Number of titles: Five –1950/51, 1951/52, 1955/56, 1981/82 (as Mosman-Middle Harbour), 1986/87

NORTHERN DISTRICT

Captain: Thomas Bermingham

Coach: Josh Miller

Players to watch: Fast bowler John James is still on the comeback trail from injury. When fit, the right-armer will also offer plenty of clout with the bat in Northern District’s middle order. Gloveman Riley McDowell is a third grade regular, and in the Green Shield will be called upon to advance the game with his aggressive batting from No. 3 in the order.

John James, Northern District Green Shield, 2022-23, NSW Premier Cricket. Supplied: Northern District Cricket Club.
John James, Northern District Green Shield, 2022-23, NSW Premier Cricket. Supplied: Northern District Cricket Club.

Harry Campbell returns from the Hunter for his second season. In combination with his left-arm orthodox, the handy acquisition is also expected to open the batting. Currently playing first grade in Newcastle, Campbell has also captained the regional side in the Bradman Cup.

Jasper Scott, Northern District Green Shield, 2022-23, NSW Premier Cricket. Supplied: Northern District Cricket Club.
Jasper Scott, Northern District Green Shield, 2022-23, NSW Premier Cricket. Supplied: Northern District Cricket Club.
Tom Bermingham, Northern District Green Shield, 2022-23, NSW Premier Cricket. Supplied: Northern District Cricket Club.
Tom Bermingham, Northern District Green Shield, 2022-23, NSW Premier Cricket. Supplied: Northern District Cricket Club.

Why they will be competitive: Last year’s runners-up enter 2022-23 as one of the Green Shield favourites. Eight players back up from the side that fell to St George in the grand final, and in addition to a classy top order, Northern District also field an exciting cartel of fast bowlers.

Squad list: Henry Abood, Alexander Au-Yeung, Finn Bailey, Thomas Bermingham, William Byrom, Harry Campbell, Rubeindranath Gobinath, John James, Jye Johnson, Callum McCall, Riley McDowell, Josh McDowell, Jasper Scott, Lachlan Williams.

Last season finish: Runners-up

Number of titles: Five – 1968/69, 1969/70, 1977/78, 1978/79, 2018/19, 2020/21

UTS NORTH SYDNEY

Captain: TBA

Coach: Mac Jenkins

Players to watch: Thomas Hogan is an U16 player from the ACT who has impressed during the pre-season with his accurate left-arm orthodox and right-hand batting. Tom Cole is a right-arm opening bowler from Terrey Hills who earlier this season claimed six wickets with his seam-up deliveries in a fifth grade match against Easts.

North Sydney junior Henry Riseborough is a right-hand all-rounder set to return for his second season of Green Shield. A stump to stump seamer, Henry returned a six wicket haul earlier this season against local rivals Mosman, and with the bat, he is known for sharp footwork against spin.

UTS North Sydney, Green Shield 2022-23, L-R Henry Riseborough, Thomas Hogan and Tom Cole. NSW Premier Cricket. Picture: UTS North Sydney Cricket Club.
UTS North Sydney, Green Shield 2022-23, L-R Henry Riseborough, Thomas Hogan and Tom Cole. NSW Premier Cricket. Picture: UTS North Sydney Cricket Club.

Why they will be competitive: The UTS North Sydney squad boasts several players who have already made their mark in the club’s senior grade sides, and this year they have the added strength of country all-rounder Tom Hogan, who is already playing ACT Premier second grade. Historically the Bears have been strong with the ball, which looks set to continue, but hopes are high that the batting will reach the same level.

Squad list: Lachlan Barber, Naman Batish. Regan Bridgewater, Nicholas Champion, Tom Cole, Angus Grover, Ben Hannah, Edward Hills, Thomas Hogan, Jack Mannix, Jack Quinane, Henry Riseborough, Joshua Strefner, Hugh Taylor, Aston Wijesinghe.

Last season finish: 9th

Number of titles: One – 2008/09

PARRAMATTA

Captain: Nilathaan Kulendran

Coach: Nick Bertus

Players to watch: Captain Nilathaan Kulendran enters his second season in fine form after an impressive 102 for the Parramatta Watson Shield team. A left-hand opener, the Blacktown Boys High student is also a dangerous right arm fast bowler.

Preparing for his third season of Green Shield, Nitesh Samuel is expected to have an evener greater appetite for runs after an injury plagued 2021. Already playing fourth grade at Parramatta, the 16-year-old also offers an alternative with his right-arm mediums. Wicketkeeper Blake Noogergen is an explosive right hand batsman with the ability to score all around the ground. With two double centuries and just as many tons already this season, he is definitely one player to watch.

Why they will be competitive: Skilful and carrying good form, Parramatta’s experienced and attacking squad are capable of at least matching last season’s strong performance.

Squad list: Aryan Kumar, Arjun Nadadur, Naden Cooray, Nilaathan Kulendran, Cameron Knight, Rupert Begg, Athan Maraziotis, Blake Noorbergen, Nitesh Samuel, Rajeev Navaratnam, Advith Boreddy, Jacob Curry, Prangan Das, Prapta Das, Connor Culnane.

Last season finish: 3rd

Number of titles: Six –1960/61 (as Cumberland), 1975/76 (as Central Cumberland), 1997/98, 2000/01, 2007/08, 2017/18

PENRITH

Captain: TBA

Coach: Shannon Finemore

Players to watch: Right-hander Harry Roscarel arrives from South Dubbo as a highly regarded strokemaker and run machine following his selection in the U17 ACT/Country side for this year’s national championships. An athletic fielder, he also bowls handy leg spin.

Off spinner Kayden Myburgh-Sisam is a genuine wicket taking option who is also part of the club’s fifth grade side. Kayden took 5 wickets on debut this season, then followed it up with another six the next week. Emu Plains Cricket Club all-rounder Mark Gardner’scompetitive nature and leadership make him a crucial team member. Currently playing for Penrith’s fourth and fifth grade sides, his middle order batting and medium pacers are equally effective.

Why they will be competitive: Six players return from last season’s side that made the finals, and along with several key recruits, it looks a well balanced squad. Fast bowler Tejas Verma (brother of NSW Pathways bowler, Hunar) and wicketkeeper Caleb Walker from Wagga Wagga are indicative of Penrith’s depth, and from all reports the squad has benefited from being involved with the grade club since the beginning of the pre-season.

Squad list: Will Bell, Saarim Ghias, Harry Roscarel (Country), Aaditya Raheja, Mark Gardner, Scott Jobling, Caleb Walker (Country), Kayden Myburgh-Sisam, Max Klein, Will Hicks, Tejas Verma, Xander Carstens, Alex Kerkham, Rupan Senthilnathan, Finbar Hicks.

Last season finish: 8th

Number of titles: Two – 1996/97, 2001/02

RANDWICK-PETERSHAM

Captain: Jake Myers

Coach: Glen Standing

Players to watch: Vice-captain Zac Graham has arrived from Newcastle. A current member of the NSW country U17 side, he’s known for his hard hitting and handy right-arm pace. Artharv Ramakanth is another all-rounder who played last season at the age of 14 – he’s considered to be one of the most talented young leg spin bowlers the club has seen. Thomas Gibson is a quick from the St George area known for his serious heat. With wickets in all grades from sixths to fourths, the 15-year-old is clearly on the rise.

Rising star Atharv Ramakanth at the BBL toss, Sixers v Thunder at the SCG, 28 December, 2019. Supplied: Randwick Petersham Cricket Club
Rising star Atharv Ramakanth at the BBL toss, Sixers v Thunder at the SCG, 28 December, 2019. Supplied: Randwick Petersham Cricket Club

Why they will be competitive: With eight players returning from last year, Randwick-Petersham fields a far more experienced side than last year, and there is now greater depth in both batting and bowling.

Squad list: Chaik Hathurusinghe, Daman Brar, Hunter Palmer, Atharv Ramakanth, Zac Graham, Christopher Parthenis, Jake Myers, Zac Narayan, Rishahb Goyal, Tom Gibson, Ryan Rajesh, Aditya Tiwari, Gregor Aitchison, Ben Van Dam, Ashane Jayapragash, Archie Robinson.

Last season finish: 19th

Number of titles: Three – 1949/50 (as Randwick), 1967/68, 1971/72 (as Petersham-Marrickville)

ST GEORGE

Captain: Ed Anderson

Coach: Peter Jackson

Players to watch: Skipper Ed Anderson returns after scoring heavily last season. An elegant left-hander, he’s adept at ticking the scoreboard over off his pads and through the covers. Also a developing off spinner, his right-arm tweakers compliment a good understanding of the game.

Ed Anderson, St George Green Shield 2022-23, NSW Premier Cricket. Picture: St George Cricket Club
Ed Anderson, St George Green Shield 2022-23, NSW Premier Cricket. Picture: St George Cricket Club
Jackson Ingram, St George Green Shield 2022-23, NSW Premier Cricket. Picture: St George Cricket Club
Jackson Ingram, St George Green Shield 2022-23, NSW Premier Cricket. Picture: St George Cricket Club

Bomaderry batter Jackson Ingram travels north again. The damaging right-hander is one to keep an eye on, given he is known to kick on after a strong start. A regular performer in country competitions, he also offers variety with his right-arm offies.

Right-arm quick Manraj Kahlon will lead the attack alongside Lewis Keenan. Known for his skill off the wicket and movement through the air, Kahlon enters the competition in good form having snared three wickets in the club’s third grade side last week.

Manraj Kahlon, St George Green Shield 2022-23, NSW Premier Cricket. Picture: St George Cricket Club
Manraj Kahlon, St George Green Shield 2022-23, NSW Premier Cricket. Picture: St George Cricket Club

Why they will be competitive: With only three players backing up from last season’s winning combination, St George’s prospects are difficult to read. That said, coach Peter Jackson likes how the squad is shaping up. With a strong bowling attack and a deep batting order, he believes the new faces will ensure the side remains competitive.

Squad list: Ed Anderson, Anoop Bawa, Keanu Botha, Luke Hill, Jackson Ingram, Manraj Kahlon, Lewis Keenan, Armaan Kumar, Austin McDean, Jeevan Raj, Manav Shah, Will Taylor, Jack Walker, Damon Wilkie, Llewellyn Wylie.

Last season finish: Premiers

Number of titles: Thirteen – 1937/38, 1938/39, 1939/40, 1940/41, 1948/49, 1955/56, 1972/73, 1974/75, 1980/81, 1983/84, 1987/88, 2011/12, 2021/22

SUTHERLAND

Captain: Kobey Freer

Coach: Jake Wilson

Players to watch: Backing up for his third campaign, captain Kobey Freer is a powerful right-hander tasked with coming in at the fall of the first wicket. Currently in the club’s third grade side, the skipper’s exceptional footwork is matched by an even temperament.

The ACT’s Ted Waterman is a tall quick known for making this happen with steep bounce and pace. Coming off a recent competition in Brisbane, he’s fit, strong and ready to go.

Vir Jamwal is a gifted keeper capable of standing up to the paceman. Aggressive with the bat, the right-hand top order specialist hits the ball in unique areas and likes to advance the game. Left-arm orthodox bowler Blake Mackrell will be available post Christmas, and with plenty of cricket smarts, the Kiama Cavaliers recruit offers plenty of variety.

Why they will be competitive: With five players returning from the side that just missed last season’s finals, coach Jake Wilson believes the team is ready to make the next step.

Squad list: Max DeCelis, Matthew Fitzgerald, Kobey Freer, Louis Hogg, Vir Jamwal, Marcus Jewell, Jackson Kean, Max Kennedy, Tom Levell, Jack Logan, Blake Mackrell, Matthew Mayer, Ryan Owers, Bailey Parker, Ted Waterman.

Last season finish: 10th

Number of titles: Six –1970/71, 1984/85, 1985/86, 1986/87, 1989/90, 1992/93

SYDNEY

Captain: Jack Roberts

Coach: Nathan Doyle

Players to watch: Tom Blowes is one of the team’s country players, he’s a very aggressive top order batsmen who is known to take the bowlers on. Young leg spinner Aditya Thakare has been playing fourth grade for Sydney this season, he possesses great control and gives the ball an almighty rip.

Tom Blowes, Sydney Green Shield, 2022-23. NSW Premier Cricket. Picture: Sydney Cricket Club
Tom Blowes, Sydney Green Shield, 2022-23. NSW Premier Cricket. Picture: Sydney Cricket Club

Tom Charles provides the all-round skills.A very talented opening batter and pace bowler, Tom displays great maturity for his age and can also influence the game with dynamic fielding.

Jack Roberts, Sydney Green Shield, 2022-23. NSW Premier Cricket. Picture: Sydney Cricket Club
Jack Roberts, Sydney Green Shield, 2022-23. NSW Premier Cricket. Picture: Sydney Cricket Club

Why they will be competitive: Matt Plunkett, Sean Turner and Jack Roberts return for another season and their experience will complement a trio of skilful leg spinners who will be a handful in the middle overs. Upfront, Sydney have a top order of destructive batters who like to score quickly.

Squad list: Jack Roberts, Harry Mayne, Riley Colburt, Matt Plunkett, Tom Blowes, Moses Balbi, Ashbi Singh, Sean Turner, Oscar Wright, Krish Ratnasingham, Thomas Coughlin, Tom Charles, Aditya Thakare, Lewis Gifford-Cock.

Last season finish: 7th

Number of titles: Four – 1956/57, 1966/67, 1967/68 (as Balmain), 2016/17

SYDNEY UNIVERSITY

Captain: Lukas Boorer

Coach: Andrew Wilkinson

Players to watch: Captain Lukas Boorer rejoins the side after recently making his first grade debut in Canberra. A top order specialist and wicketkeeper, the right-hand Radford College student will be out to replicate the form that earned him an ACT U17s call up.

A genuine all-rounder, Will Hardy is a proven match winner. Currently attending Newington College, he is primed to explode at the top of the order and with the new rock. His combination with batting all-rounder Jack Bray ensures Sydney University is packed with depth.

Sydney University Green Shield 2022-23, L-R Lukas Boorer, Jack Bray and Will Hardy. NSW Premier Cricket. Pictures: Sydney University Cricket Club
Sydney University Green Shield 2022-23, L-R Lukas Boorer, Jack Bray and Will Hardy. NSW Premier Cricket. Pictures: Sydney University Cricket Club

Leg spinner Cooper Jones adds a point of difference to the attack, and the left-armer will be oozing confidence following his recent 7/31 in the club’s fifth grade side. Classy top order batsman Julian Ryan is a regular fixture for St Joseph’s College in the GPS competition, and the right-hander furthered his credentials last month with a half century in the Newcastle trial match.

Lachlan Rail is another hard-hitting top order batsman. Joining from Newcastle, he is a member of the NSW Pathways program and plays first grade for Newcastle City.

Sydney University Green Shield 2022-23, L-R Cooper Jones and Julian Ryan. NSW Premier Cricket. Pictures: Sydney University Cricket Club
Sydney University Green Shield 2022-23, L-R Cooper Jones and Julian Ryan. NSW Premier Cricket. Pictures: Sydney University Cricket Club

Why they will be competitive: With plenty of depth and representative experience, Sydney University are expected to be knocking on the door of the finals come late January.

Squad list: Lukas Boorer, Julian Ryan, Arnav Yadav, Avijay Maharaj, Cooper Jones, Harry Royal, Jack Bray, Josh, Levitas, Lachlan Rail, Lachlan Russell, Mehrub Chowdhury, Noah Feenstra, Raj Sharma, Riley Ingram, William Hardy.

Last season finish: 17th

Number of titles: None

UNSW

Captain: Hayden McCarthy

Coaches: Tarik Viswasam and Sutha Thanabalasingam

Players to watch: Hayden McCarthy will skipper the side and kick off the innings at the top of the order. The aggressive right-hander also offers good flight and variation with his leggies. Tanmay Mehta is another right-hand dasher, and with great hand speed is one to watch in the top four.

With height on his side, Ben Worthington is an awkward proposition with the new ball, and from the middle order, the right-hander is known for giving the ball an almighty whack.

Why they will be competitive: UNSW aims to combine skilful variation with the ball and aggressive batting to claim the club’s first Green Shield title. With a squad that’s been together since August, look for them to approach each contest with a collaborative effort.

Squad list: Cadell Birch, Samuel Hayes, Patrick Hield, Adhvay Jayavarapu, Duvindu Liyanage, Hayden McCarthy, Tanmay Mehta, Neel Patel, Manav Rindani, Rishab Shah, Archie Stanish, Jay Vallabhoju, Benjamin Worthington, William Parkinson, Hugh Taylor.

Last season finish: 14th

Number of titles: None

WESTERN SUBURBS

Captain: Campbell Kean

Coach: Josh Clarke

Players to watch: Penrith recruit Flynn Nicholls has slotted in at the top of Wests fourth grade batting order, and the right-hand Green Shield vice-captain will be determined to bat deep into every innings.

Nicholas Audet is a tall opening bowler who lacked control in last summer’s tournament. Now playing in Wests’ lower grades, the right-armer has improved his accuracy and gave his confidence a further boost with four wickets in a recent trial game.

A YouTube sensation, Rehaan Shyamundar is an U14 leg spinner making waves across the country. Took five wickets for Sydney University last season, but Wests will have to make do without his services mid-competition while he satisfies U17 nationals commitments in the Northern Territory.

Western Suburbs Green Shield squad 2022-23, NSW Premier Cricket. Supplied: Western Suburbs Cricket Club
Western Suburbs Green Shield squad 2022-23, NSW Premier Cricket. Supplied: Western Suburbs Cricket Club

Why they will be competitive: Every player in the squad has played grade cricket for the club this season. Enriched with experience and far more depth, Wests now have the talent to climb the ladder.

Squad list: Mansukh Singh, Flynn Nicholls, Ajitesh Kamboj, Abhinav Kamsali, Jack Clark, Charlie Gray, Venkata Prabhat Sandugula, Blake Dillon, Avanesh Sri-Ganeshwaran, Nicholas Audet, Jamaal Tuman, William Zakostelsky, Campbell Kean, Usman Hussain, Rehaan Shyamundar.

Last season finish: 18th

Number of titles: Three –1936/37, 1973/74, 1975/76

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