BIG BASH SIDES SET
‘Evenly matched’ squads for FNQ’s newest cricket competition
THE inaugural Barrier Reef Big Bash title is wide open with all four selected sides easily capable of winning the Far North’s newest cricket tournament.
The newly launched Indian Premier League-style cricket competition took a step closer to lift-off after Friday night’s player draft, during which Hurricanes took outstanding Mulgrave all-rounder Justin Reid with the first pick.
The first three picks went as expected, as the Badgers selected rep wicketkeeper batsman Angus Warnock and Thunder took Atherton gun Paul Nasser, though all four teams ended up with similarly strong squads to leave no clear frontrunner.
Organiser Kev Maher said the first three picks were not a surprise, but from there it was a lucky dip as the franchises built well-balanced, talented squads for the first edition of the Twenty20 tournament.
THE inaugural Barrier Reef Big Bash title is wide open with all four selected sides easily capable of winning the first tournament.
The newly launched Indian Premier League-style cricket competition took a step closer to lift-off after Friday night’s player draft, during which Hurricanes took outstanding Mulgrave allrounder Justin Reid with the first pick.
The first three picks went as expected, as the Badgers selected representative keeper-batsman Angus Warnock and Thunder took Atherton gun Paul Nasser, though all four teams ended up with similarly strong squads to leave no clear frontrunner.
Organiser Kev Maher said the first three picks were not a surprise, but from there it was a lucky dip as the franchises built well-balanced, talented squads for the first edition of the Twenty20 tournament.
“That was no surprise. Gus Warnock and Pauly Nasser, they were odds-on to go early as they can wicketkeep,” Maher said. “They were valuable commodities so they were expected to go early. There were some interesting ones, a few of the older brigade got opportunities, like Darren Lees and Tommy Maher who have played a lot of cricket.
“The Dare Devils, they stuck with some of the Rovers players — Brenton Edwards knows what they can do.”
Dare Devils captain Edwards took Atherton’s Tom Boorman with his first pick and the fourth overall.
Hurricanes owner Darren Halpin said he was happy to have the first draft pick, which he said gave his side an advantage in what is shaping as a strong competition.
“There’s a lot of good players in this comp, there’s a couple of real standouts, and I think it’s going to be a strong comp,” Halpin said. “It was great getting the first draft pick, it was good for banter and publicity, and to get one up on the other teams.
“Him and Gus Warnock are probably the number one and two players in the comp. He bats, he bowls and he wicketkeeps. A genuine allrounder, just a real asset.
“We’ve gone for a team of good experience, good batsmen, some cool heads. Some call us the oldies but we have a genuine good side.”
Thunder owner Kev Twomey said his side was well-balanced, which could thrive behind Nasser and give rising star Finn Churchward the opportunity to shine.
“Very excited about the man from the Tablelands, Paul,” Twomey said.
“He took seven-for on the weekend and we think he’ll do some damage.
“Very happy with Finn, he is our under-18s player, he’s got huge potential and he’ll be a huge asset for this team.”
Daniel Freebody was picked up by the Badgers, who will be captained by Jake Roach.
“I was talking to Roachy later on and we’ve gone for five or six bowlers and stocked up on batters,” Freebody said. “They’re pretty even teams all round, so it’s going to come down to who turns up on the day.”
The first game of the season will be played Griffiths Park on Friday, February 5, with the first four games to be played under lights.