Palmerston Cricket Club will be pushing for finals across the grades in 2024, with the 1st XI not making an appearance since 2020. Picking up some local recruits to go with their imports should see them fill a few holes that they’ve missed over the last couple of seasons and add some much need depth. 1st XI skipper Hamish Martin has given some great insight to the club and how its progressing.
Ins – Matt Scoble (NZ) Caleb Montague (NZ) Jack Matchett (SA), Jasper Darley (SA) Rommel Shahzad (Vic Country) Aidan Firman (FNQ) Ethan Anderson (NT) Kai Snape (NT) Dean Ennis (NT)
Outs – No imports returning from 2023.
Coach/Coaches – David Cluse continues at the helm, reluctantly hanging up the boots (relief for b grade seamers) for a more focused approach on our A/B grade groups.
Captains of Men & Women – Hamish Martin & Jennifer Sharma
(other senior men TBA)
Some positive you’ve had in preseason, young players progressing well?
Locals in Ethan Anderson, Kai Snape as well as the highly experienced Dean Ennis paired with numerous Sunday Cricketers and an influx of ladies has put our club in a strong position on and even more importantly off the field. Continued progression of gun keeper Cadel McMahon is one to keep an eye on along with opening batsman Tahj Hill. Ethan McKenzie and Flynn Osborne are the age bracket below but also expect them to push for higher grade honours giving their talent and work ethic.
How is the women’s team looking?
Sharp. Tight knitted friendly group with a real emphasis on learning the game, progressing our skills, and gaining numbers in Palmerston. Will be led by the well backed Jen Sharma and Gun juniors Aeryn Cormack and Naomi McMahon.
Predictions for finals each format
A grade is setting the standard and striving for finals appearances in both formats and will be disappointed with anything less. Don’t be surprised to see our Twos be higher up the ladder and competitive, and our C grade stalwarts are wanting a flag with some added youth. With the talent there and locals added our women would love to be there come the time as well.
What’s the strength of the 2nd XI look like this season?
Improved- something the club is really excited about and has been missing the last couple of years, our youth are primed with last year’s experiences and with the added players we are ready to stand up and perform.
Had any issues to work through over the off season?
Nothing major, few ongoing conversations are happening in the background regarding our complex, but things are out of our hands at the moment and the clogs are moving very smoothly thanks to our Committee.
Thoughts on no Cricket 365 this season?
Interesting, has it been cancelled? I can imagine there will be an announcement soon regarding. Can accept NT cricket needs CA funding but whether the product of 365 is right, I’m not sure. Maybe they have cried wolf. Regardless hopefully CA and more importantly NT Cricket and the major sponsors of 365 (support local) see the value in investing in our own backyard instead. What this investment looks like, and how it can be used, ideas aplenty and I’m sure NT cricket are reaching out to clubs for their thoughts and ideas.
Any changes of note to the competition that you think will have an impact?
Will be interesting to see the two formats having separate ladders and to how clubs who are in position to, manipulate it to have the strongest imports for that format. Expecting fluctuating XIs from one dayers to two dayers which is well and truly their prerogative and in there right. But gee wiz how this benefits the competition I’m really not sure. Premier grade cricket being on MCG 2 for the last few games could be interesting.
The Palmerston pitch has improved markedly over the last few season's, how's it looking now?
Des and Chris. Picturesque, photos don’t do it justice. The effort and pride our volunteers have in providing a high-level playing oval is second to none. Something that will continue to get better with those people around. Square is in good knick and can imagine in a better position than some due to lack of wet season activity, no end of week rain at Cazaly’s Oval should be ready to roll come Saturday.
Appreciate your time and all the best for 2024.