Cudgen on the cusp of major cricket title

A CRICKET team packed with stars and promising juniors is one win away from an historic eighth premiership in the Far North Coast LJ Hooker League competition.

The Cudgen Hornets will play in the two-day final for a 10th straight season when they host defending premiers Marist Brothers at Reg Dalton Oval, Kingscliff, this weekend.

A win would cement its spot as the most dominant club in the competition since it started 30 years ago.

The Hornets will be heavy favourites with the likes of top order batsman Alec Williams, opening bowler James Julius and all-rounder Pat Rosser in form.

Rosser, a former NSW and Australian Country representative, has taken the most wickets in the competition this season, having claimed 39 scalps.

The bowling attack has multiple threats with fast bowler John Ainsworth taking 31 wickets, while teenage spinner Harry Kershler continues to improve each season.

Cudgen cruised past Casino in its semi-final, bowling them out for just 67 before scoring 162 runs.

They were just as dominant in the second innings with the Cavaliers all out for 91.

The Marist Brothers bowlers were impressive in their win over Goonellabah Workers Sports at Oakes Oval, Lismore.

They bowled GWS out for just 136 after scoring 205.

Opening bowler and captain Brendan Mitchell has now taken 30 wickets, after helping his side break a 27-year premiership drought last season.

Brothers president Matt Cleaver expects another big performance from the skipper in the final.

“He’s been the key to everything again this season,” Cleaver said.

“We match up well against Cudgen and I think we can beat anyone on our day.”

Brothers have a mixture of youth and experience with top-order batsman Cooper Williams one of its most exciting prospects.

The 15-year-old has scored centuries at junior and senior level this season. He scored a double-century at under-14 level last summer.

“He plays with a lot of maturity, nothing fazes him,” Cleaver said.

“He’s grown so much in confidence; he really took off once he locked in that one decent score in Hooker League this season.

“His first half-century was pretty important to him and he’s gone on to bring up some big scores.”

Cudgen will also play in the second grade north final against Mullumbimby at Dave Burns Field, Tweed Heads, while Ballina Bears take on Tintenbar-East Ballina in the southern division final at Fripp Oval.