RIVALS WILL BE
University’s Lions are unfazed by the prospect of having a target on the back as the CTPL season begins, writes James Bresnehan, while Jarrod Lawler takes a look at the title challenges being mounted by the competition’s teams in 2021-22
REIGNING premier University has a target on its back entering the new CTPL season and captain James Faulkner said the Lions were hunting a second consecutive flag this summer.
The CTPL season hits off on Saturday with a full round of one-dayers, and Uni starts its title defence with a clash against the Northern Raiders in Launceston.
“Every team is looking to win first grade, and all the grades really, so backto-back would be nice.
“Hopefully, we’re there, or thereabouts, when it’s finals time.
“We’re obviously looking to go back-toback, but having said that we’ve got to contend with the first round up north against the Raiders and try and get the ball rolling.
“A one-dayer is good as an opening round – it settles everyone and gets everyone into the competition.”
Uni has a couple of gun recruits and Faulkner (pictured) said keep your eye on them. “We’ve got a couple of boys from interstate and you’ll learn about them pretty fast – they are very skilful players,” he said.
“We’ve got a couple of young guns as well in Louis Smith and Zac Phair, and hopefully they can have breakout seasons.
“Louis is also an all-rounder. He’s young, he’s keen, he’s got good height and he has a crack.
“He will get every opportunity this season.
“Zac has a good temperament at the top of the order.
“He posted some good scores last season, a couple of 90s, and I’m looking for to him opening the season against this season and posting some good scores.”
With Blundstone Arena unavailable, Clarence and Glenorchy meet at Ferguson Park near Brighton, Kingborough and North Hobart play at the Twin Ovals, and Lindisfarne is at home to New Town.
CLARENCE
Coach: Harry Allanby
Captain: Michael Jones
Last season: 3rd
Gains: Brayden Stepien (Carlton CC) Kieran Elliott (Melbourne CC) Sam Leon (University CC) Alec Smith (injury)
Losses: Alex Treanor (year off) Ben Rohrer (Victoria)
Coach’s comments: Really excited for the season. We’ve gained some really talented cricketers and the development of our younger guys will add depth and competition for spots. Looking forward to the challenge of chasing Uni and North Hobart who were clearly the best two teams last year.
GLENORCHY
Coach: Brett Geeves Captain: Brett Geeves
Last season: 5th
Gains: Tushaar Garg (Sutherland), Joshua Hartill (Ringwood), Lachlan Rowlands (Lindisfarne), Bill Dodd (New Norfolk), Harry Thomas (Cygnet)
Losses: Nathan Matthews (retired), Matt Fotia (VIC), James Bowen (VIC), Charlie Eastoe (Launceston), Umair Butt (SHSB)
Coach’s comments: The retirement of club legend Nathan Matthews is a major loss for the club and it signifies a new era for our club. With the departures of our senior leaders from last year to retirement, home ports and individual pursuit, our focus this winter, and for the season, is on the identification and development of leaders who value the GCC and the people/region it represents. From a playing perspective, the group is young and skilled. If they can learn quickly the importance of key moments and how to navigate them successfully, we will be in the mix for finals across all grades.