Cudgen claim record eighth cricket title

CUDGEN claimed a record eighth premiership when it took out the Far North Coast LJ Hooker League two-day final against Marist Brothers.

The rain-affected final was limited to one day with Brothers dismissed for just 49 after being sent into bat by the Hornets.

Cudgen opening bowler James Julius took six wickets while middle order batsman Callum Pritchard scored 20 not out (6-50) in the four-wicket win.

Competition president Phil Melville said the class of Cudgen showed in a weather-affected match.

“Time was obviously a factor, and Brothers batted like it was a T20 game,” he said.

“They had to put on a score and bowl Cudgen out, which is probably why it went the way it did.

“Cudgen could have just batted and wouldn’t have had to bowl Brothers out based on where the teams finished on the ladder.”

The Hornets have played in the final every year since the 2014-2015 season.

They are the most successful team in the 30-year history of the competition, with Casino the next closest having won five premierships.

“Cudgen are a strong club and they’re really good at bringing their juniors through,” Melville said.

“They’ve been the benchmark for a long time and it’s no surprise to see them back on top.

“They get a lot of crowd support and with the lights up there now they’re one of the premier cricket facilities in the zone.”

Cudgen all-rounder Pat Rosser and fast bowler John Ainsworth were the highest wicket takers in the competition, claiming 80 scalps between them.

Brothers opening bowling Brendan Mitchell finished the season with 30 wickets, while Tintenbar-East Ballina batsman Kai Dalli (493) was the highest run-scorer in the competition.

Melville plans to reduce the competition to eight teams next season and eventually introduce a promotion and relegation system.

It means Murwillumbah and Pottsville will drop down a grade.

Most other cricket finals around the region were washed out with the highest ranked teams on the ladder being crowned premiers.

The final cricket game of the Far North Coast season will see Ballina Bears take on Cudgen in the second grade final at Megan Crescent Oval, Lennox Head this weekend.