Colts climb to the top of the ladder ahead of cricket finals

TWEED Banora Colts are eyeing a return to the semi-finals after surging to the top of the ladder in the Far North Coast LJ Hooker League competition.

The club, which joined the competition five seasons ago, made the semi-finals in just its second year.

They looked on track for another finals appearance last season before a run of rain-affected rounds disrupted the top-four race.

Club president Mark Wood said the side was well placed but remained focused on continuing to improve.

“We’re ticking along nicely at the moment and just want to keep building on our combinations,” Wood said.

“It’s such a tight competition and there are about six teams who will be confident they can win it from here.”

The Colts boast a strong top order, led by Tom Byrnes, who is brimming with confidence after recently representing the NSW Country men’s team at the national championships in Western Australia.

Byrnes is currently the leading run-scorer in the LJ Hooker League and is on track to eclipse 1000 runs for the season.

“He is a terrific cricketer, and a lot of people are saying he’s the best player in the competition,” Wood said.

“He brings a lot to the club and is a great bloke away from the game as well.”

The Colts will need contributions across the board after losing top-order batter Sam Powell for the remainder of the season.

Powell suffered a broken kneecap while playing a cover drive in the local derby against Cudgen last month.

Despite the setback, the team retains plenty of experience at the top of the order with Jamie Bennett and Arren Laycock, supported by a group of emerging young players throughout the lineup.

“A few of the boys have really lifted over the last few weeks, which has been quite pleasing,” Wood said.

“They’ve given themselves a chance for a strong finish to the year, but we still have plenty of work ahead.”

There are four rounds remaining in the regular season, with semi-finals scheduled for Saturday, March 14.