Newcomer at Norths is batting bright spot

A RARE opening in the Norths first grade ranks gave emerging batsman Jack Pickering an opportunity and he has wasted little time in making every post a winner.

The Charters Towers local has been a shining light for the depleted Norths side over the opening weeks of the Townsville Cricket season.

A starring junior in recent seasons, Pickering is quickly cementing himself a spot in the Norths middle order.

Now he just needs the toporder to go with him, as the club searches for an elusive first win of the season against Wanderers this weekend.

With regular captain Matt Mcguire overseas, vice-captain Adam Zabala has stepped up and taken on the responsibility of righting the ship at the top of the innings.

“I have to take that on at three, but we also have (opener) Coleman Harker, who has made starts in each game but hasn’t gone on with it,” Zabala said.

“That can be very frustrating for a batsman because you have done all the hard yards at the start. We just need to find a good partnership at the top.

“If one of our batsman in our top three or four can be there in the final 10 overs we will be in a good spot.”

As for Pickering, he could soon find himself among that top four, with the interim captain impressed with the young batsman.

“If he keeps doing things like he has and if the boys in front continue to struggle, he could not only solidify that No.5 spot, but even move further up the order,” Zabala said.

“It is going to be a good test for him though, he has only played two games of A grade.

“But he does have that real country Charters Towers attitude, he goes in and gets it done.”

Wanderers will also be on the hunt for their first win of the season when the two sides meet at Endeavour Oval today.

In other Townsville Cricket action, Suburban Parks Redbacks will aim to keep their undefeated start to the season alive when they meet Brothers at John Mcculloch Oval.