New team chance to tap into top talent

CRICKET Tasmania is aiming to tap into talented players in the northern half of the state with the creation of a Greater North team to compete in next season’s southern CTPL competition.

The concept was a recommendation of the Mike Hussey report completed earlier this year into the state of cricket in Tasmania.

The team, which is yet to be officially named or have colours announced, will play in first grade only in a full homeand-away competition and has the backing of former Tigers coach Tim Coyle.

“To maintain a strong, whole state approach to highperformance cricket, this needed to happen for Tasmania,” said Coyle, the coach of all three Tigers’ Sheffield Shield titles.

“The team will present a clearer pathway for northern cricketers and stretch the current players in a much tougher competition.

“The production of firstclass talent from the state’s north and north-west has been of paramount importance to our on-field success and this team, and the program to support it will be important for reviving and maintaining this production line.”

In the past, players such as George Bailey, Alex Doolan, Xavier Doherty and Ben Hilfenhaus have relocated to Hobart during their formative years to further their cricket.

The continual sapping of talent has seen a decline in the local Cricket North and Cricket North-West competitions.

The team will be governed by Cricket North, with the next stage being the establishment of a management committee to be chaired by former Tasmanian first-class player Richard Bennett.

“The Cricket North Board is extremely excited about the prospect of young northern Tasmanian cricketers being able to participate in the CTPL,” Cricket Tasmania director and Cricket North chair Paul Clark said.

It is anticipated a female team will eventually be added to the program.