Terranora Lakes target premier league cricket finals in fairytale comeback

TERRANORA Lakes is on the brink of playing finals cricket, sitting in contention for the semi-finals in its first Far North Coast LJ Hooker League season in 15 years.

The resurgent club is currently fifth in the 10-team competition and has recorded wins over some of the top teams this season.

Terranora Lakes jumped at the chance to return to the premier competition this year, with plans to build around the current squad over the next few years.

Club president Leo Araujo said the season had exceeded expectations after a strong pre-season rebuild.

“It has been a bit of a fairytale really when you look back on where we’ve come from,” Araujo said.

“The whole season has been about making the most of our opportunities and proving other people wrong.

“We had a really good sign-up in the pre-season and the Casuarina Crocodiles merged in with us, so it’s all gone to plan so far.”

Terranora Lakes has been buoyed by consistent performances across the squad, with top-order batsmen Sandeep Chauhan and Matt Sutton leading the charge with the bat.

Lachlan Mison is among the competition’s leading wicket-takers, while fast bowler Jack McDonald has also played a key role with the ball.

“Sandeep Chauhan is a player who can make something happen,” Araujo said.

“Nothing worries him when he’s at the crease and he bats freely. You need guys like that in your team; they can make a difference in the big games.”

The competition’s shift to a 40-over one-day format this season has added a layer of unpredictability heading into the finals next month.

Cudgen claimed the Twenty20 title last month, while Goonellabah Workers Sports and the Colts have shared top spot on the ladder throughout much of the campaign.

“There is no clear favourite you would bet your house on,” Araujo said.

“A few good teams will miss out and any of the four who make it are capable of winning on the day.”