Premier Cricket: Northcote backs young guns to fill battling roles

EMERGING batsmen Jack Lalor and Elliot Brandon-Jones have been backed to become key members of Northcote’s Premier Cricket line-up this season.

Tim Michell

2 min read

October 3, 2018 - 2:58PM

Northcote Leader

North

Don't miss out on the headlines from North . Followed categories will be added to My News.

EMERGING batsmen Jack Lalor and Elliot Brandon-Jones have been backed to become key members of Northcote’s Premier Cricket line-up this season.

Brandon-Jones made his First XI debut in Round 16 last summer, compiling 69 against Dandenong in a sign of his potential.

BLAYDE BAKER NAMED NORTHCOTE’S NEW CAPTAIN

STEVE TAYLOR TAKES ON DRAGONS’ COACHING JOB

GREENVALE LANDS TASMANIAN BATSMAN FOR SUPERSLAM

Lalor has played 28 First XI games since his first appearance in 2015-16, averaging 21.2.

The pair will have greater opportunities to cement themselves at the top of the order in 2018-19 after opener Lindsay Hassett and vice-captain Ben Abbatangelo moved on.

“The message is clear to the entire batting group,” coach Steve Taylor said.

“There’s two opportunities there with Lindsay and Ben leaving.

“The opportunity is there for whoever wants it and Elliot put his hand up with his performances last year.

“Performances on the board will certainly ensure he gets his opportunity.”

Jack Lalor has been earmarked for a key batting role by Northcote. Picture: Hamish Blair

Northcote batsman Elliott Brandon-Jones digs in. Picture: Valeriu Campan

The Dragons have added batting all-rounder Jonty Rushton from Ringwood, while Sam Harbinson has overcome the ankle injury which plagued him last season.

Harbinson was limited to nine First XI matches in 2017-18, but the bowling all-rounder sent a reminder of his quality with an unbeaten 150 for the club’s seconds in Round 17.

Taylor said middle-order batsman Josh Sundberg was another player determined to have an impact after an injury-interrupted campaign.

Northcote recruit Jonty Rushton holds on to a catch for Ringwood.

“He has been flying throughout pre-season,” he said of Sundberg.

“Sam Harbinson finished as a batsman only … and hit 150 not out. His ankle is right and he’s 100 per cent and ready to go.

“They have set themselves to have an impact immediately.”

The Northcote playing coach said he had been buoyed by the return of Harbinson and Sundberg to full fitness.

“To see them running around in the practice matches and having an impact has been really pleasing,” he said.

“Fingers crossed they can hit the ground running.”

MICHAEL BEER NAMED ST KILDA SKIPPER

PRAHRAN CAPTAIN JAKE HANCOCK DETERMINED

Taylor earmarked left-arm spinner Roby Lane as a potential selection bolter after he returned 14 wickets in his debut season.

Taylor, the 2015-16 Ryder medallist, has passed on the captaincy to wicketkeeper Blayde Baker after he was appointed as David Reid’s coaching replacement.