NSDCC Annual Report 2005/2006 - Queensland Cricket

NSDCC – 79 th Annual Report 2005-2006
REPORTS (from Captains, Managers and Coaches)
FIRST GRADE
The 2005/06 season saw Northern Suburbs perform very well in both the XXXX First Grade
Competition and the abbreviated First Grade One Day tournament. Norths finished in third place on
the ladder with the Semi-Final being washed out without a ball being bowled. Norths suffered only
one loss during the one day tournament to a talented and tough Wynnum –Manly side. As a
consequence, Norths failed to participate in Semi Finals of this competition for the first time in three
seasons. While the completion of both competitions was not ideal in terms of the result, the club had
much to be proud of in 2005/2006.
Norths had two players represent Australia during the last year. All-rounder James Hopes and left
arm quick Mitchell Johnson both represented their country for the first time. This is simply an
outstanding achievement for these players and the culture of the club. Chris Hartley toured Pakistan
with Australia A, Jim Maher captained his state to a Pura Cup sensation, and Clinton Perren played
once more with distinction for his club and state. Brendan Nash returned to the First Class arena with
a bang in Perth, Nathan Hauritz played both forms of the game for his state and Grant Sullivan played
in a number of 2 nd X1 fixtures. Ben Dunk was selected in the Australian Under19 squad as a shadow
player for the youth World Cup. All factors considered, it was a great year, once again, for a club that
places the priority of developing young talent as its core value.
On the park for the team itself, Norths had a fine season under the leadership of both Jarred Turner
and Nathan Hauritz. Jarred started the year with confidence and as a consequence his team won
some challenging early fixtures. Nathan then took over the reins at Christmas, allowing Jarred to
concentrate on his own game. This change brought about a new aggressive form of cricket to be
played and drove Northern Suburbs to a semi-final. Nathan led with calmness and aggression. He
bred confidence in all players and brought fresh ideas to the selection table. In short, he was a
revelation.
Brendan Nash and Clinton Perren led the way with the bat. Both players have now represented the
club on 100 occasions and both rate as two of the club’s all time great players. They both work the
ball well and balance power with precision. Their footwork is crisp and both blokes present a desire to
score runs at every opportunity; skills the following players can all draw upon. Adam Daniels arrived
from the Gold Coast and played some steady innings in his role as an Opener. Nathan Hauritz also
displayed his qualities as a genuine all rounder at this level. Jarred Turner, Steven Nottle (before a
serious pool party injury), Andrew Michael and Greg Chiesa played some quality innings also. Yet the
real find of the season was former Queensland Under 19 prodigy Wade Townsend. He scored his
maiden First Grade century and finally began to drive his considerable talent towards the next level.
Wade is a popular, dedicated team mate and illustrated the potential to play at the next level. He must
now crash through the door.
The bowling was led by Nathan Hauritz. His second place finish in the Peter Burge Medal while only
playing ten weeks of the year illustrated his dominance. He bowled with guile and confidence, often
dismissing the best players of the other side whilst constructing partnerships with a group of
exceptionally talented cricketers. Greg Chiesa had a fine season, improving his consistency as he
strives for the breakout year that will provide him with opportunities at the next level. Grant Sullivan
had his best year for the club and promises to be on the verge of something special. Grant toiled
away on surfaces that did not suit his style and this year bowled a fuller length to produce more
positive results. Jarred Turner continues to be one of the premier spinners in Brisbane and doesn’t
get much of bowl. He averaged less than 20 with the ball, again confirming his potential to step up
into a key role next season. Peter Baker once again provided further evidence of his First Grade
ability with a fine season. He is highly rated by all of his team mates. Adam Lavis, Rob Fitzgerald and
Jordan Buckley provided a strong back-up to this impressive crew. Include Damien Mackenzie, Dean
Bertling, Andrew Carnell and Josh Kemp to this list and the club had two genuine First Grade attacks
by seasons end.
Northern Suburbs District Cricket Club - 9