Lindisfarne to use T20 championships learning curve as driving force for tilt at CTPL crown

Power clubs from Melbourne and Sydney proved too strong for Lindisfarne at the national T20 championships but the Lightning gained invaluable experience from the trip.

Lindisfarne's Jarrod Freeman in action against Carlton at the national T20 Championships in Adelaide

THE experience of clashing with some of the biggest club sides in the country will be invaluable for Lindisfarne’s youngsters as they prepare for the CTPL finals, according to coach Matt Wilkie.

After winning their opening match of the national T20 championships in Adelaide the Lightning were brushed aside by Victorian powerhouse Carlton on Tuesday afternoon and NSW outfit Sydney yesterday.

However despite lopsided defeats — Carlton chased down 118 for the loss of one wicket in just 9.2 overs and Sydney recorded a 61-run victory­ after posting 8-154 — Wilkie said his squad won’t leave South Australia empty-handed.

The CTPL minor premiers were missing a host of first-choice starters for the two-day tournament, giving some of the club’s emerging talent a taste of higher-level action.

“We ran into some very experienced teams with some very good players, we were pretty much outclassed but it was a great experience and we learnt a lot from that and what we aspire to be,” Wilkie said.

“It’s something you can’t create, it was awesome to see the way those players go about it and guys who have finished state careers and are still running around taking it as serious as ever.

“The results didn’t perhaps reflect it truly, I don’t think we are truly that far off. You drop a few of our best players in there and the results are much different.”

The Lightning will return home for the last round of local action this weekend, where they meet fourth-placed Kingborough at the Twin Ovals knowing top spot is locked away regardless of the result.