Southern Districts young gun batsman Jackson Isaaka’s brilliant ton quickly forgotten after thrilling loss to Darwin Eagles at Kahlin

JACKSON Isaaka wants to win so bad at Southern Districts that his brilliant century was quickly forgotten after his team’s heartbreaking three-run loss to Darwin in Round 1 of Darwin Premier Grade cricket last Saturday.

Southern Districts star batsman Jackson Isaaka hit a brilliant 131 not out in a beaten team last Saturday. Picture: Supplied

JACKSON Isaaka wants to win so bad at Southern Districts that his brilliant century was quickly forgotten after his team’s heartbreaking three-run loss to Darwin in Round 1 of Darwin Premier Grade cricket last Saturday.

Isaaka hit an anchoring 131 off 161 balls, but a lack of support saw his team crash to be 9-200 after 50 overs, chasing just 204 to win.

“I was devastated we didn’t get the win after walking off the ground, instead of thinking about my hundred,” he told the NT News, with Eagles opening quick Ben Reichstein picking up 4-29 from his 10 overs.

“But the Darwin bowlers bowled really well.”

Isaaka, 19, has enjoyed some success at Campbelltown Camden Ghosts in the Sydney first-grade competition.

“I went OK last season – I was the team’s leading runscorer,” he said. “But I feel like I could’ve scored more runs (finishing with 671 at an average of 26.84 across all formats).”

Playing for the Crocs is vital for Isaaka as he pursues his dream of going pro.

“I want to play at the highest level I can,” he said. “It’s great to play cricket all year round and the weather up here is ideal for that. NT Cricket has been great in letting me train with their under-23 academy.”

The Crocs will be bolstered by two more first-grade imports, all-rounder Brodie Symons (Frankston Peninsula) and batsman Lochie Hardy (Scarborough) against Tracy Village at Fred’s Pass today.

Nightcliff also hosts PINT and Darwin takes on Palmerston at Kahlin Oval.