North Coast cricketers gearing up for NSW Country final

NORTH Coast have qualified for the NSW Country cricket final after an undefeated run in the first five rounds of the tournament at Newcastle.

The team will play a 50-over game against Central Coast in the final at Port Macquarie tomorrow (Saturday, December 14).

The competition is played under a new format this season with the team also qualifying for the Twenty20 regional bash final, which will likely be played at the SCG.

North Coast captain Alec Williams said the team have been working hard for the last few seasons under coach and former Australian Country representative Pat Rosser.

“We thought we were a good chance in the weeks leading into the tournament,” Williams said.

“The main thing is that the group got on well and had a good time off the field as well.

“We’ve tried to improve the culture of North Coast cricket, Pat has built on that for the last few years, and he’s brought some younger guys into the team.

“We ended up overcoming a bit of adversity with a few players pulling out before we went and we had some injuries in the early games.

Williams was among the early casualties along with stand-in skipper Cal McKiernan.

Lismore opening batsman Jack Cooper was a standout, he scored two centuries and was 85 not out in another innings.

“The first one was impressive, and the second one was probably even better,” Williams said.

“It was pretty incredible to watch and great to see how some of the younger guys really stepped up.”

The performances have put Cooper in the box seat for representative selection, while Williams has also played for NSW Country in recent years.

Ballina teenager Kai Dalli top-scored with 66 not out in the second round against Riverina and was the top-wicket taker in the final game against Newcastle.

“The Riverina game was probably our toughest win, and I didn’t think we would get the 250 runs until Kai and the guys in the middle order got things back on track.” Williams said.