National Indigenous Cricket Championships: Victorian squads bursting with talent
Victoria’s indigenous cricket squads have it all; batters who “whack it”, raw pace, quality keepers and a leg-spinner with rare talent. See the line-ups.
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The excitement in Barry Neivandt’s voice is obvious.
The Victorian indigenous men’s cricket coach can’t help but rave about the make up of his squad for the National Indigenous Cricket Championships in Alice Springs from February 22-28.
“We’ve brought in some younger faces with some great spirit and enthusiasm,’’ he said.
“At the trials we had unheralded numbers try out for a change…and we’ve unearthed some really interesting debutants.”
One newcomer who caught Neivandt’s eye was 16-year-old Essendon leg-spinner Bailey Toseland, who recently represented Victoria Metro in the Under 17 national championships.
“He bowls leg spin and bats alright, too,’’ Neivandt said.
“He’s got the 360 game where he plays some fun shots as well, he’s a ripper, and he’s got some great leadership qualities.
“And with the ball he keeps landing it.
“He’s a really exciting talent. And he’s a ripping lad, quality.”
The Victorian squad is young and full of potential.
Neivandt said a priority would be to work on “game awareness” as the Vics prepare for the T20 format in Alice Springs.
He will also be encouraging his players to “take the game on”.
Ryan Donovan will be the “elder statesman’’ of the Vic squad, and also a key player. “He bowls right arm off spin, he’s cagey, with good speed on ball and variation,’’ Neivandt said.
“He will bring some great experience to the group.’’
Victoria has three wicket keepers in its squad — Jhiah Baxter and brothers Jacob and Josh Devine. They are also “jets’’ in the field and capable batsmen.
Josh Nanson played in the last national carnival, and was picked in the Australian under-19 side.
McKinnon star Wade King has been to a few carnivals and will be a key figure in this campaign.
“He’s probably our best allrounder,’’ Neivandt said.
“He’s just a very cricket smart sort of player with bat and ball and a jet in the field, direct hit run outs and that sort of stuff.’’
Victoria’s pace attack will include Bohdie Jones (Mt Evelyn) and Pines quickie Lachlan Jackson.
“He’s got wheels, raw, but he’s just got some genuine pace and change up and good bounce and carry,’’ Neivandt said of Jackson.
“He’s got the intimidating bouncer at his beck and call as well.’’
MacKenzie Casson comes back into the squad, and can whack the ball. Tyler Nanson is a left hander, who came into the squad after Nick Boland withdrew because his wife was due to give birth.
“He will have a real crack at it, play shots and get after it,’’ Neivandt said of Tyler.
In the women’s team, Northern Socials Cricket Club’s Brooke Nam will captain the team. Coburg bowler Simone Burridge also returns to the team, while new players include Box Hill all-rounder Tahlia Meier and Heidelberg’s Taya Barnett.
Victoria was one of the first state associations to build an Indigenous cricket program, dating back to 2001.
Both squads last won titles in 2017.
Victorian Men’s Indigenous Squad
Tyler Nanson (City Colts CC) - Dharug
Jhiah Baxter (Thomson CC) - Nygena Walmatjurri
MacKenzie Casson (Auburn CC) - Kamilaroi
Jacob Devine (Old Carey CC) - Wonnarua
Ryan Donovan (Altona Sports Club) - Gumbainjirri & Dunghutti
Nathan Gardiner (Epping CC) - Wurundjeri
Lachlan Jackson (Pines CC) - Yorta Yorta
Bohdie Jones (Mt Evelyn CC) - Wurundjeri
Jacob Bourke (Alexandra Cricket Club) - Taungurung
Wade King (McKinnon CC) – Ngyampaa
Shaun McAndrew (Surf Coast Stingrays CC) - Murries
Josh Nanson (City Colts CC) - Durug
Bailey Toseland (Essendon CC) - Taungurung
Josh Devine (Old Carey CC) - Wonnarua
Men’s Squad coaching staff:
Coach: Barry Neivandt
Team Manager: Jamie Jewiss
CV Staff: Cameron Rochow
Victorian Women’s Indigenous Squad
Brooke Nam (Northern Socials CC) - Wailwan
Chloe Larkin (Burnside Springs CC) - Wurendjeri
Taya Barnett (Heidelberg CC) - Wiradjuri
Helen Archibald (Northern Socials CC) - Yorta Yorta
Tahlia Meier (Box Hill Cricket CC) - Wamba Wamba
Simone Burridge (Coburg CC) - Kamilaroi
Shawana Brown (Northern Socials CC) - Wailwan and Wirangu
Shannon Johnson (Allansford-Panmure CC) - Yamaji
Chamika Sadler (Northern Socials CC) - Quandamooka/Wakka Wakka
Cindy Duson (Lalor Warriors CC) - Wiradjuri
Rose Stewart (Holy Trinity CC) - Gunditjmara and Taungurung
Jessica Martin (Coburg CC) - Wiradjuri
Jacintha Tass (Northern Socials CC) - Yorta Yorta/Wiradjuri
Women’s Squad coaching staff:
Coach: Ciara Metcalfe
Team Manager: Kaitlyn Frawley
CV Staff: Cameron Rochow
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