Bradman Cup: Players to watch in the Country NSW under-16 championships
Some of Australia’s greatest ever cricketers have come from regional NSW. Ahead of this year’s Bradman Cup, we’re casting our eye over the best young cricketers from the bush.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Some of the best young cricketers in NSW will be in action this weekend when the Bradman Cup kicks off across the state.
One of the country’s most prestigious junior cricket competitions, the tournament brings together the best under-16 cricketers from country NSW, with action to kick off in Kempsey and Wagga Wagga this weekend.
The eight teams will be broken up into northern and southern pools for the opening rounds this weekend. They will each play one 50-over match and two T20s, before coming back for the final four rounds of the tournament in the Illawarra region in early January.
Not only will the winning zone earn bragging rights as the best in the bush and have the opportunity to represent Country NSW against the winners of Sydney’s Green Shield in a city v country clash, but the tournament will also double as a key event in the selection process for next year’s NSW Country under-17 side.
Ahead of the tournament, we’ve taken a look at how each side is shaping up, and highlighted a couple of players to watch.
Central Coast
It will be a young but talented group that the Central Coast will send to Kempsey for the opening rounds of this season’s tournament, with selectors looking towards the future to give some of the region’s young guns a crack at rep level.
“It’s a young team this year, half the guys are actually underage, so it’s going to be a development year for our carnival and hopefully something they’ll learn from,” said coach David Winiata.
While they might be young, there is some serious talent in the Central Coast’s ranks, with underage players Vincent Thornley, Simon Alderson and Sai Patil all part of Cricket NSW’s pathways, joining under-16 cricketers Koby Smith, Harry Askey, Alexander Jack and Raj Sharma in the program.
Batting looks like it will be the team’s strength, with selectors picking a squad that can bat deep into the innings.
“We’ve got a good balance in our batting line-up, from batters that can manipulate and move the ball around, to some of them who can hit the ball hard,” said Winiata. “We will actually be batting close to all 11, and all 11 can contribute with the bat.”
Meanwhile as a point of difference the team will also take four spinners into the carnival, consisting of a mix of offies, leggies and left-arm unorthodox bowlers.
“We’ve actually got four different types of spinners, which is great, and they’re all bowling quite well at the moment.”
With most players lining up in the local first or second grade competition, the coach is hopeful that they will be well prepared to take on the best in their age group in the Bradman Cup.
Vincent Thornley
One of the underage crew, Thornley will remarkably captain the side, in what is a great vote of confidence in his leadership skills.
“He’s been earmarked as a future leader of Central Coast Cricket and has shown some mature attributes, so we’re hoping he’ll bring that along to our carnival,” said Winiata.
A top order batsman, he’ll come into the tournament in good nick after recently scoring a century against Hunter in the under-15s NSW Youth Championships.
“He’ll be pretty vital to our top order.”
Raj Sharma
Returning to the Central Coast after spending the last couple of years playing in Sydney, the all-rounder is a very welcome addition to the side.
A sharp bowler and solid middle-order batter, Sharma will bring plenty of X-factor to the Central Coast team with both the bat and ball.
“He’d be one of the quickest across all teams going round at the carnival,” said Winiata. “He’s left-arm fast, so he’s a Mitchell Starc-type bowler.”
Koby Smith
One of the team’s most important players, Smith will have a key role as somewhat of a barometer for the side’s batting line-up.
“He’ll anchor our innings. Little fella, but technically very sound when he’s got the bat in hand. He’s one of the bets bats we have,” said Winiata. “If he performs well, so will the team.”
Central North
It will be a much more experienced Central North team in the Bradman Cup this season, with a large chunk of the squad backing up after having played as underage players last year.
“A lot of them played last year, so they’re a lot more experienced and it’s perhaps not as daunting as it was last year,” said coach Aaron Mahony.
And while the team had a difficult tournament 12 months ago in terms of results, the coach is confident that they will benefit from the experience.
“The results didn’t go their way but they learned a lot from it. They’ve obviously got the extra year under their belt now and they’re playing well in their own right in different competitions. It’s exciting.”
In particular, the squad’s batting depth looks particularly strong, headlined by well-established rep players Harry Dunn and Keanu Botha.
“In Harry and Keanu, we’ve got two of the more established players in that age group across Country NSW,” said Mahony. “We’ve tried to build the batting line-up to be quite attacking and take games on, and we’re confident we’ve got the team to do that.”
In addition, spinners Tom Long and Sam Holz have also progressed nicely over the last 12 months and are expected to give the side good balance with the ball in hand.
“Our spin bowling has improved a lot,” the coach said.
Keanu Botha and Harry Dunn
Two of the most outstanding young batters across the state, Botha and Dunn hold the key to Central North’s batting line-up, with both capable of putting on big scores.
Playing first grade for Northern Suburbs in Maitland club cricket, the pair also took part in the Newcastle SG Moore (under-16s) T20 comp and will line up for Sydney clubs in the Green Shield later in the summer.
In a sign of their ability and how highly regarded they are, the pair were also selected for Central North in the recent Country Colts (under-19s) carnival, despite being just 16.
“We didn’t pick them as a token, we really thought that could they could make a difference in that carnival. And in their own right, in particular games, they did,” said Mahony. “To make an impact in that age group, it shows that they’re really backing themselves and I think they’re in for a really good Bradman Cup.”
Tom Holmes
The left-arm opening bowler from Tamworth will lead Central North’s bowling attack and hope to get his side off to a good start with plenty of early wickets.
“He’s been amazing, he’s progressed really well and I think he’s up for a big one,” said Mahony.
Sam Davis
One of three underage players in this year’s squad, the all-rounder is an incredibly athletic player looking to make his mark with both the bat and ball.
“Incredible athlete, unreal in the field, bats at six and bowls well as well, so he does a bit of everything,” said Mahony. “He’s one of the guys who’s got a chance to have a really big impact and then go again next year as well.”
Greater Illawarra
After a fourth-place finish in 2022, Greater Illawarra have a side oozing with confidence coming into this year’s competition, according to head coach Mitch Calder.
“Players are peaking at the right time, they’re coming in with great form,” Calder said.
“I think versatility is our strength, we should suit both formats.
“We’ll be able to play to our strengths, but also test a few things and players in different roles across the different formats.
“It’s very promising, we’ve picked a great squad.”
Calder thinks if his side manages their processes well, they can put on seven good games of cricket and go close to winning.
Blake Cattle
Entering his second year of Bradman Cup, Cattle picked up eight wickets first time round and will look to improve on that this year.
“We’ll look for him to use his really good game sense and understanding to pressure oppositions, create some tough periods for them,” said Calder.
“His batting has developed over the last 12 months as well which is really promising.”
Lucas Kay
The top order batter is one who has been excelling recently, picking up four tons in the last three weeks.
It’s his second year of Bradman Cup and he’s “playing a really positive brand of cricket,” according to Calder.
Kasey Barton
Is in a “really good place with the ball”, according to his coach, after developing his bowling over the past 12 months.
He has been showing some really good pace, and provides a bit of an X-factor talent for the team.
Newcastle
There are big shoes to fill for this Newcastle side, who will be hoping to emulate the zone’s Bradman Cup-winning team of last season.
Just one player, top-order batsman Lucas Vincent, returns from the winning side, in what is another strong Newcastle outfit.
“It’s a well-balanced team,” said coach Rob Parkinson.
In addition to a strong top order, the coach is excited about his bowling stocks heading into the tournament.
“We’ve got two very good leg spinners in Tyler McInnes and Jonah Rheinberger,” he said.
“We’ve also got some good young quicks that have been doing some good things over the last couple of years.”
He added: “Across the board I’m pretty excited and pretty confident that we’ll perform well.”
Lucas Vincent
The only returning member from last year’s victorious team, Vincent is a gun top order batsman who has shown plenty of maturity in stepping up to play first grade for his local club Stockton.
“He’s someone he gets on with it, can score plenty of runs and goes pretty hard,” said Parkinson.
Harry Price
The left-handed opener has been in rare form so far this season, scoring two tons and a matchwinning 76 not out as his side Merewether took out the SG Moore (under-16s) Cup T20 competition.
With the ability to go big, he’ll be key for Newcastle at the top of the order.
“He’s in a very run of good form this year so far,” said Parkinson.
Darcy White
Along with fellow quick Rohan Power, who has been playing first grade for Toronto, left-armer White will spearhead the Newcastle attack.
Fresh from captaining Merewether to victory in the SG Moore Cup, White will be looking to make early breakthroughs for his side.
North Coastal
Like a couple of other teams, North Coastal has selected a squad capable of fireworks with the bat in what will be a home opening weekend for the side in Kempsey.
“We’ve got an exceptional batting line-up,” said coach Justin Gilbert.
“The top-six batters are as good as any six in the state. We bat really deep as well. That’s one of our big strengths. We’ve also got a couple of very good all-rounders to help our bowling attack.”
With such heavy artillery to call on, the coach says his side will look to play a very positive brand of cricket.
“We focus on aggressive batting. Obviously someone has to step up each game, but we have the mentality of trying to outbat the other team, score too many runs for them to chase,” he said.
Adding to the confidence of the team, which includes players from as far and wide as Kempsey, Macksville, Coffs Harbour, Maclean, Lismore and Cudgen, is the fact that a large chunk of them took part in last year’s tournament as underage players.
“They’ve all got the experience of having played in the comp, so I think that’s another good thing that we have going for us,” said Gilbert.
“All those boys played last year, they’re bigger, stronger and ready for it.”
Harry Kershler
The left-arm unorthodox spinner from Cudgen adds plenty of variety to the attack, and is a constant wicket threat with both his stock ball and well-disguised wrong-uns.
He showed his class last season in the Bradman Cup when, aged just 15, he bowled his team to victory against the Central Coast with a brilliant spell of 5-22 from 10 overs.
Kai Dalli
An aggressive batsman who can tear apart bowling attacks in no time, Dalli is one of North Coastal’s main strike weapons with the bat.
“He hits the ball a very long way and has the potential to score very big,” said Gilbert.
Taylor Gilbert
A key player that adds plenty of balance to the side, the all-rounder from Dorrigo will open the bowling and lead the team’s pace attack.
Also very good with the willow, Gilbert will bat in the middle order.
Riverina
After a strong showing last season with a second-place finish, Riverina are looking to keep the momentum going with a predominantly new squad, as only three players remain from last year.
“I think we’re a pretty handy bowling side, that’d be our strength,” head coach Sam O’Connor said. “We do have quite a few heavy hitters off the bat as well, though.
“I think the 20/20 format might suit us a bit better, luckily that’s where the competition starts off. If we can then tone it back a bit for the one-dayers, we might be able to get away on a run of wins.
“We’re aiming to compete in every game. If we go down I want us to be hard to beat.”
Sam Williamson
Captaining the squad is the Wagga young gun who’ll be opening the bowling for the side.
He’s big, tall, fast and is also a hard hitter with the willow in hand.
Lucas Holgate
Another big lad who throws down some fast and aggressive deliveries.
He’s handy with the bat, too, with the all-rounder being a good striker of the ball.
“We’re excited to see what he can produce,” said O’Connor.
Nick Oliver
Just 14-years-old, young Oliver is a developing off-spinner with bucket loads of potential.
While he is also developing his batting, his right-arm orthodox spinners are where he’ll thrive, with O’Connor touting a “bright future” for him.
Southern Districts
The new team on the block, Southern Districts bring plenty of youth and excitement to the crease in this season’s Bradman Cup.
Head coach Dean Roxburgh says his side won’t just be there to “make up the numbers”, and is confident that the “winning culture” ingrained into his side will translate into performances on the pitch.
“We’re well prepared and we know what we’re coming up against,” Roxburgh said.
“I think we’re much better as a one-day squad. I’m an old style coach, I like a young fella grafting an innings, but they’re definitely capable in T20s as well.
“There’s only three in our side that are over-age, so most of the team will have two years of Bradman Cup cricket under their belts.
“These boys can push for it, they’re all competitive, they’ll play hard and fair and they’re going to try to win everything they can.”
Jay Knight
Knights will bat in the top order and is very sound behind the stumps as a wicketkeeper.
“He’s improved out of sight over the past 12-18 months,” said Roxburgh, who’s hoping his keeper-batsman can “do what he does best: score runs and take catches”.
Issac Roxburgh
The Bowlo Rats young gun from Goulburn will be batting at three and looking to make an impact with plenty of runs.
He’s also vice-captaining the side.
Patrick Bruckshaw
An all-round talent with a big left arm, he’s also a massive contributor to the side with the bat in the middle order.
He’ll be looking to pick up runs and bowl plenty of overs for the side.
Western
After narrowly missing out on the top four last year, head coach Greg Rummans is optimistic about his side’s chances in the upcoming campaign, and is particularly pleased with the well-rounded nature of the squad he’s put together.
“I’m really happy with the squad, the batting might just tip the other skills, but we’re pretty solid and well-balanced across the board,” Rummans said.
“I think we’ve got a nice balance between both formats, there’s a handful of aggressive batters that suit the 20/20 format, as well as some that are technically good and can be steady at the crease for long times in the one-days.
“All I ask of them every year is to give good efforts to their team, execute their own skills and the result will look after themselves.”
Cooper Giddings
Vice-captaining the side is the Dubbo young gun who is “naturally aggressive”, according to his coach, and “doesn’t need to do too much to score at a high rate”.
As pictured above, Giddings recently took out the Greg Morrisey OAM Medal for his standout performances for the Western Plains Outlaws.
Blayde Burke
The skipper of the side, Burke impressed in their recent trial game against Penrith with his off-spinners.
He performed well in last year’s Bradman Cup and will “give the ball a good rip,” said Rummans, who also noted that he can provide some runs in the middle order if needed.
Andrew Ridge
Provides a point of difference with his right-arm leggies.
“Full of beans” according to his coach, Ridge brings a great energy to the side.
“Nobody has worked harder than him this off-season, he had to earn his spot, but across our trial games he’s been the pick of the bowlers.”
Football4all: All abilities football event celebrates inclusion in 2024 gala day
The annual Football4all Gala celebrates inclusion for players with disabilities. Read how the grassroots initiative has inspired Alex Reggio and his love of the game.
Macarthur RL: Camden Rams’ triple treat
An extra time thriller and comebacks dominated a jam-packed Macarthur RL grand final day at Campbelltown Stadium. Winners and heroes, full wrap from all grades. 100+ PHOTO GALLERY