Return of express paceman Tom Pinson gives young Nightcliff cricket squad massive boost for Darwin Strike League

NIGHTCLIFF has received a major boost with the return of express paceman Tom Pinson, and he is ready to accelerate his side into the winners’ circle

Express paceman Tom Pinson has returned to play for Nightcliff in preparation for his move to South Australian club Woodville

NIGHTCLIFF has received a major boost with the return of express paceman Tom Pinson, and he is ready to accelerate his side into the winners’ circle.

The quick, who can bowl in excess of 140km/h, made his playing return in an eight-wicket loss against the undefeated Waratah on Saturday, after two weeks in quarantine.

The paceman – who took 1-57 from 8.2 overs and removed star Red Caps batsman James Seymour for 104 off 111 balls — is keen to see the development of the Nightcliff squad’s young guns, such as wicketkeeper Michael Kudra and all-rounder Andrew Richards.

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“Darwin is the place to be in Australia at the moment and it is great to be playing cricket outside in this weather,” Pinson told the NT News.

“Nightcliff are pretty happy to have me back, particularly as quite a few people won’t be coming up to play this year and they’re a great club to be around.

“They’re all really good guys to play with and I’m looking forward to getting to know them better and hope that there will be a bit for me to offer in training as well.

“Richards can do it all with both bat and ball and I hope to get the chance to work with him, while Kudra our young wicketkeeper is really exciting.”

Playing in Darwin has given Pinson the opportunity to find his pace and fitness ahead of a move to South Australian club Woodville.

Pinson has been a part of the NSW Blues squad in recent years and played for Sutherland in the Sydney first-grade competition.

But the hunt for first-class cricket has him positioned to move to Adelaide and pursue his dream there.

The paceman expects to be in Darwin until the end of August to see out the Strike League before relocating south.

“The important thing for me is this is the best place to get training in terms of bowling and running ahead of the southern season,” Pinson said.

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“While I hope to win as many games as we can it is about getting matches under my belt, getting my pace up.

“Woodville approached me when I was in Darwin a few years ago but it wasn’t the right time. And now with my dream of playing first-class it feels like the right time.”