Rare distinction as Lismore cricketers break through in Australian merit teams

TWO Lismore cricketers have gained national recognition for their batting efforts, with Jack Cooper and Cooper Williams named in Australian merit teams after standout championship performances.

It is a rare distinction to have two players from a Far North Coast in merit team with only a couple of players in the last 20 years achieve the honour at junior or senior level.

Jack Cooper, 25, represented the NSW Country open men’s side, which finished third at the Australian Championships in Western Australia.

A hard-hitting opener, he scored multiple centuries for North Coast to earn selection with the Bush Blues for the first time.

He returned home from Queensland to play locally with Goonellabah Workers Sports this season and will hope to steer the team to the premiership.

“He’s incredible to watch once he gets going,” North Coast captain Alec Williams said.

“His batting stacks up against anyone and you can just see the ability and confidence he has in big games.”

Cooper, who is the youngest brother of former South Australian Red Backs and Melbourne Renegades Big Bash batsman Tom Cooper, scored 298 runs at an average of 33.11.

 

He was joined at the Australia nChampionships by Tweed Banora Colts batsman Tom Byrnes, who was also on his representative debut at that level.

Meanwhile, Cooper Williams reached the final playing for NSW Country at the national under-17 championships in Brisbane.

He scored a determined 45 after an impressive century against Northern Territory earlier in the carnival.

The 15-year-old hit 13 fours and two sixes, finishing the week with 255 runs at an average of 42.5.

He looks destined for big things having already won a LJ Hooker League premiership in the local competition with Marist Brothers.

Williams also scored a double century in a junior final and will be on the radar for higher honours in the NSW system in the coming years.

“I’ve put a fair bit of work into my batting; I’ve got a lot of help from my dad and numerous coaches,” he said.

“It comes down to putting in the hard work and lots of training.

“In the long-term I would love to be able to play a Test match for Australia.”