The biggest threats in North Queensland Country Cricket challenge
The biggest rivalries in Queensland Country Cricket descends to Cairns for the annual North Queensland Country Cricket Carnival.
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The biggest rivalries in Queensland Country Cricket descends to Cairns for the annual North Queensland Country Cricket Carnival.
Far North, North Queensland, Mackay-Whitsunday and Central Queensland will take on each other at Griffiths Park over two weekends to be crowned the best in North Queensland.
There will be plenty of fireworks from ball one with Far North taking on Mackay-Whitsunday and Central Queensland taking on North Queensland on Saturday both kicking off at 9:30am.
See the full fixture below.
With plenty of talent across the Northern Region of Queensland, we took a deep dive into who are the biggest threats for each team.
See the biggest threats below:
Far North:
First XI
Quickest bowler – Henry King
This young gun has made a serious name for himself in the Cricket Far North competition and is ultimately beginning to be feared by batsmen. King could be a late withdrawal due to a quad injury but if he does play, expect the radar gun to be hitting high 130kms to low 140kms.
Biggest hitter – Jake Roach
Arguably the best Queensland Country Cricketer. Roach has put on powerful hitting displays on almost every ground in Queensland, including a grand final performance at the Gabba for Far North Fusion where he sent two massive sixes into the second tier of the grand stand. Also wouldn’t want to face him when he is on with the ball.
Best fielder – Andrew Phelps
Phelps moved to Cairns Rovers last season and changed the fielding dynamic of the club. He is arguably one of the best fielders in the competition and I wouldn’t be mistaking him in the field, his bullet of an arm and smart thinking is one that will have batsmen second guessing that quick single. Can also be a very handy with the bat and ball.
Second XI
Quickest bowler – Brody Zanetich
Another young gun with plenty of pace behind him. Once Zanetich finds the consistency of line and length the pace just flows and look out for the bouncer, you will want to be quickly onto the back foot or ducking.
Biggest hitter – Vicky Lefty
Another seriously big hitting from the Far North. Lefty loves batting at Griffiths Park and expect a lot of fireworks if he gets going in this tournament. Be sure to be ready for a catch in the crowd. Not bad with the ball either.
Best fielder – Adam Trewin
Trewin’s cricket is getting better and better every year and that includes his fielding. He is quick off the mark, pick up and throw is lighting and you better be sure there is a run there because I don’t think there is a more accurate throw in the competition.
North Queensland:
First XI
Quickest Bowler – Kai Adami
A string bean fast bowler who uses every centimetre of his tremendous height to launch thunderbolts down the wicket. The Norths’ star’s speed and bounce can trouble batsmen of any ability.
Biggest Hitter – Sam Lowry
With a collection of cricket bats as broad as Lowry’s you’d hope the Queensland Country captain could swing with the best of them. There’s no doubt he can. Lowry can cart bowlers to all parts of the ground with timing and power few can match at this level.
Best Fielder – Lachlan Ford
Ford was crowned the finest fielder in all of regional Queensland two seasons ago and his skills have remained razor sharp. Ford is a safe pair of hands and an accurate throw at the stumps. There are few more dangerous arms to challenge in Rockhampton this weekend that the Townsville star’s.
Second XI
Quickest bowler – Stanley Serovita
Serovita was a North Queensland under-16 representative a season ago but is blossoming into a potent all-rounder. His powerful batting translates into some rapid deliveries.
Biggest Hitter – Heath O’Brien
The master blaster from Suburban Parks is the most destructive fence-swinger in Townsville. O’Brien reached 50 in 21 deliveries to stun Norths for the first time in three seasons in the last round of the local season. In total O’Brien hit six sixes in that innings to underline his potency with the willow.
Best Fielder – Shane Squires
Veterans around Townsville Cricket know that catches hit in the vicinity of Squires of the Wanderers generally result in a trip back to pavilion. Squires has one of the cleanest sets of hands in the district and snaffles opportunities with regularity.
Mackay-Whitsunday:
First XI
Quickest bowler – Mason Kohler
The spearhead of the Nitros’ bowling attack, gets good pace behind the ball and leads from the front.
Biggest hitter – Darryn Dyer
Has been on an insane run of form recently encapsulated by a pair of centuries in the Bulls Masters Country. Is one of the in-form batters in the competition, expect more from him.
Best fielder – Shaun Austin
Very talented in any position on the field, capable of producing a key run out or snaring a spectacular catch.
Second XI
Quickest bowler – Harry Holmes
Another player who get plenty of speed behind the ball, expect Holmes to feature prominently in the wickets column.
Biggest hitter – Chris Day
Can take the game away from any opponent if he gets a run on. Has a history of big scores in franchise competitions and grade cricket.
Best fielder – Connor Muller
An agile fielder who gets on the ball quickly and is more than capable of taking the odd screamer when needed.
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Originally published as The biggest threats in North Queensland Country Cricket challenge
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