GOONELLABAH Workers Sports cricket club is building around youth as it prepares for its fifth season in the Far North Coast LJ Hooker League competition.<\/p>\n
The 10-team competition starts Saturday, October 11 with GWS coming off four straight finals appearances, including a premiership win in the 2021-2022 season.<\/p>\n
“It all started with a group of young guys who were ready for the next level,” Goonellabah Workers Sports president Barry Cooper said.<\/p>\n
“The level of intensity they played at led to early success and they had some experienced players in that team that were invaluable.<\/p>\n
“I don’t think we’ve dropped off too much; consistency is the key and making sure you’re looking at who’s coming through.<\/p>\n
“Experienced players will always go well in this competition. It’s up to us to look after our juniors and that’s what we’ve had a big focus on.”<\/p>\n
The competition will be all one-day matches with no two-day cricket this season.<\/p>\n
All-rounder Brady Toniello will captain the side again with its batting stocks bolstered by brothers Ben and Jack Cooper.<\/p>\n
Former Dutch international Dan ter Braak is back on deck with the club expected to unearth more junior talent.<\/p>\n
“Blake Perkins was a good one that came through last year and they’ll be a few more get an opportunity this season,” Cooper said.<\/p>\n
“The club is running extra one-on-one coaching and whatever we can to help bring that next crop through.”<\/p>\n
Defending premiers Cudgen will be one of the top teams again, while Terranora Lakes rejoin the competition after a 15-year-hiatus.<\/p>\n
The teams play each other in the first round at Reg Dalton Oval, Kingscliff.<\/p>\n
Murwillumbah has dropped down a grade to rebuild after finishing on the bottom of the ladder last season.<\/p>\n
Ballina Bears will also stay in Coastal League after they left the competition two seasons ago.<\/p>\n
The first round of the Hooker League will see Tintenbar-East Ballina host Goonellabah Workers Sports at Kingsford Smith Park.<\/p>\n
Tweed Banora Colts plays the Casino RSM Cavaliers at Dave Burns Field, Tweed Heads.<\/p>\n
Marist Brothers take on Lennox Head at Mortimer Oval, Lismore, while Alstonville Pottsville at Hill Park, Wollongbar.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
GOONELLABAH Workers Sports cricket club is building around youth as it prepares for its fifth season in the Far North Coast LJ Hooker League competition. The 10-team competition starts Saturday, October 11 with GWS coming off four straight finals appearances, including a premiership win in the 2021-2022 season. “It all started with a group of […]<\/p>\n