Tintenbar-East Ballina eyes cricket finals as drought-breaking bid gathers pace

TINTENBAR-East Ballina is closing in on a top two finish as it looks to end a 20-year premiership drought in the Far North Coast LJ Hooker League cricket competition.

A top two placing would guarantee the club a home semi-final and leave it just one win away from potentially hosting the final on Saturday, March 21.

Captain Abe Gibson said the side’s resurgence has been built on consistency, balance and a genuine team-first mindset.

“We’ve had a few things go our way the last couple of weeks with the weather and results on the weekend, but on the flip side of that we’ve put ourselves in this position by winning games,” Gibson said.

“Top four was always the goal after not having played finals for a little bit. We knew that if we played to our ability there wasn’t any reason why we couldn’t be there.”

The squad boasts a blend of youth and experience, with all-rounder Abe Crawford and former Australian country representative Brett Crawford adding stability to the line-up.

Young gun Kai Dalli is the leading run-scorer in the team, while Harry Bull, Steve Leahy and Mitch Niland have taken more than 70 wickets between them.

For Gibson, the even spread of contributors has been the key to Tintenbar-East Ballina’s strong campaign.

“That’s been a focus for us, performing well as a team,” he said.

“If we’re strong across the 12 guys that take the paddock each week, that gives us the best chance of winning.

“Local cricket’s always tough, players come in and out on different sides, but the squad’s been really good and everyone’s bought into the plans we’re trying to execute.”

The finals race remains tight, with Cudgen, Goonellabah Workers Sports and Tweed Banora Colts likely to round out the top four.

Cudgen and GWS have both claimed premierships in recent years, while the Colts are chasing just their second finals appearance since entering the competition.

Despite sitting in a strong position, Gibson said his side would not be getting ahead of itself.

“Everything’s still up for grabs, top two, and even top four technically isn’t settled yet,” he said.

“Our approach is just to keep playing good cricket like we have been.

“Hopefully the wins sort themselves out and we can hold on to that top spot from here.”