Coast in need of strong finish

CASSOWARY Coast Cyclones A Grade cricketers will need to address several unfavourable statistics to get their campaign back on track with only seven one-day matches remaining in the Cricket Far North season.

After two wins and two draws, the Cyclones sit fifth on the ladder with 19 points – seven points off third place.

With wet weather again forcing the washout of this weekend’s fixtures, any points accrued for the remainder of the season will be crucial to the Cylones’ finals chances.

Standing in the way is a worryingly low tally of 770 runs for, the lowest of the competition, paired with the second highest number of wickets lost, totalling 58.

Cyclones opening bowler Wade Henderson said while the lack of consistent performance was hurting their results, he believed the team had the talent to make up the points.

“I think we’re a talented team that has both the batting and bowling depth that could win the competition,” he said.

“I just think our best and worst are a long way apart and if we can average this out, we can gain the points needed to play in April.

“We have made some large totals and often score quickly, but we often lose wickets in clumps as well, so the next step is to value our wickets when starting an innings off.”

The Cyclones’ tally of 38 wickets for is the second lowest of the competition, with all their bowlers leaking more than five runs per over on average.

“At the start of the season I was given a role to build pressure with the ball and I think on occasions, I reaped the benefit of that pressure,” Henderson said.

“If I can tighten my economy rate to under four, the wicket tally will improve.”

Despite a below-average first half of the season, Henderson said he was enjoying the opportunities available through the three-club combination.

“All the players have made mates off the field and that’s made this season more enjoyable than previous ones,” he said. “I was keen to test my ability in first grade and if I had not played for the Cassowary Coast side, I would have gone to a Cairns club.

“Playing for the Cassowary Coast Cyclones was certainly an attractive option.”

The Cyclones will take on bottom of the ladder Barron River at Crathern Park next Saturday.