Change in format to benefit Tweed Banora Colts’ big hitters

TWEED Banora Colts are aiming for a big season with its top order batsmen leading the way in a revamped one-day competition in Far North Coast LJ Hooker League cricket.

Clubs voted for a change from the two-day format after a rain-affected season saw some teams play in as many as six washouts.

The Colts were one of those teams. They defeated eventual premiers Cudgen twice in the regular season before missing finals by two points.

“We could have nearly finished on top if those games weren’t washed out,” club president Mark Wood said.

“We’re pretty confident about the season ahead and having a one-day competition brings a lot of the teams back into it.”

Tweed Banora has one of the stronger top orders in the competition with batsmen Jamie Bennett, Tom Byrnes and Sam Powell all capable of big scores.

They also have several younger players coming through who will help bolster the bowling stocks.

The club came into the top grade five seasons ago and made the semi-finals in its second year.

“Sam Powell is a beast when he gets going and Tom Byrnes is one of the best batsmen in the competition,” Wood said.

“Our young guys have done well in the [NSW] junior pathways and that was a big reason that we wanted to be part of the competition.”

The Colts’ next home game is against a Cudgen side who look set to be the team to beat again this season.

Captain Alec Williams scored a century in the first round against Marist Brothers with the likes of former NSW Country player Pat Rosser back on deck for another year.

“We love playing Cudgen because the rivalry is there, but we still get on so well off the field,” Wood said.

“A lot of the guys have played against each other for years and we look forward to hosting them.”

The game will be played on Saturday, October 25 at Dave Burns Field, Tweed Heads from 1pm.