PINT Cricket Club were not that far off the mark last season and appear to be building a strong returning base to make a platform from and much needed DDCC experience. With Coby Edmonstone continuing to excel, the return of Doolan, Gamage and Farzan Chowna, PINT batting will be mixing it with the best batting line up in the competition. The main issues here will be whether they have the bowling fire power to match. President Simon Lavers gives his thoughts on their chances for 2024.
Ins – Hassan sardar, Tasmin Harris, Conner Poulton, Nicholas Bembrick, Waseem Akram, Bradley Ilott
Returning - Farzan Chowna, Coby Edmondstone, Dhanusha Gamage, Mitch Doolan, Prasanna Ketheeshwaran, Vishwas Saini, Rohit Adhikari, Bailey Coleman
Outs – Zenith Wickramanayaka, Rohan Chandel, Kyle Brazell, Jet Liebke
Coach – Mariyatharsha Shanthakumar
Captains of Men & Women – Farzan Chowna and Amy Hetherington
Some positive you have had in preseason, young players progressing well?
We have had a great preseason at PINT Cricket Club! The young players have been doing really well, showing impressive progress, and improving their skills with the help of our experienced coaches. This promises for a great upcoming season, as we are starting to see the results of the hard work put in by the players, parents, and coaches at PINT.
How is the women’s team looking?
The women's team is looking fantastic! They have been making impressive progress in the preseason, focusing on growth and development. They have a very supportive and inclusive environment, welcoming new players and nurturing a love for the game. This year, the team is full of talent and led by Amy Hetherington
Predictions for finals each format
Based on the preseason performance, it looks like multiple PINT teams will be strong contenders in the finals across all formats. T20, one dayers, or two dayers, PINT seniors in all grades are gearing up for a strong push into the finals this season.
How is the depth in the B grade?
Building on the momentum of last year, PINT Cricket Club. The preseason has been an indication to the commitment across all grades. While replicating last year's success is a worthy goal, we have also got fresh talent and returning players, making us stronger contenders again this year.
Had any issues to work through over the off season?
Over the offseason, like many clubs, we have had some challenges. One of the main issues has been finding rental accommodation for players from interstate. The Darwin market has become more competitive and expensive, which is something we will need to keep in mind in the future. This has also affected the competitive balance in the Darwin Cricket Competition.
Thoughts on no Cricket 365 this season?
I do not think the absence of Cricket 365 will have a big impact on local cricket in Darwin. If anything, it gives us a chance to try out different formats and get involved in other ways.
Any changes of note to the competition that you think will have an impact?
Nothing of note
Appreciate your time and all the best for 2024.