Darwin Cricket News & Scores Team of the Year - 2022
1. Josh Hoffman – Captain – 426@30
How does the Jacques Kallis of Darwin Cricket make it, after in his standards a lean year, let alone be captain? Besides the multiple screamers in the field and the second innings Bradman, the Hoff has led off the field, teaching multiple clubs’ young men how to play, train and enjoy Darwin. Without him, would these guys have had an enjoyable time up here, played some good cricket and want to come back next year? No. And this is when we announce the Josh Hoffman Medal for best interstate player (conditions must stay for the full season and circuit most weekends plus have some notable performances).
2. Dylan Brasher – Vice Captain – 845@70 and 14@20
Barry is what every team needs, a professional game day, good bloke off the field and is quietly setting out to achieve bigger things. A clinical top order batsman with splash of opportunity with the ball, this is the composure you need at the top and the level head to keep ambitious Hoffman in check. On the circuit, he has fun but never loses sight of the big picture.
3. Isaac Conway – Wicket Keeper – 573@52
Might not be everyone’s cup of team, like the editor of this page, Conway can get under your skin, but guess what we’re picking guys that get the job done. Conway loves a tussle, brings some character to the game and to celebrations afterwards. Another strong year with the stick and designated keeper plus being a good clubman, big tick.
4. Matt Calder – 626@52
Fruity is explosive in the middle order. Besides Downton Brown, is the one bloke you know you need to get out early otherwise the game gets away from you quick. Will not be finishing a medical degree anytime soon, brings the stock standard teas but is a laugh and cop what he gives out. Handy circuiter that rallies around the lads but at training never bombs the lower grade blokes out of the nets.
5. Sam Kerber – 431@53 and 16@18
Before his ton in the last round against PINT, Kerber had been flying under the radar, no outlandish statements with the bat and regular dismissals with the ball, Kerbs is another string to the bow of dominate Crocs side peaking at the right time. A level head in the middle order that doesn’t mind a reverse sweep first rock or shouting first round straight after a big day in the field.
6. Jack Wood – 252@30
Woodsy is a model and while the PINT man did not have a massive impact with the ball but his massive 159 against Tracy Village saw them to one of two wins for the season. Woods makes the team for his versatility, can strum out a tune or two on the guitar during a rain delay plus bring real eyes on focus during a team circuit. Rumour has it that he is also quiet good at making sour dough.
7. Corey Kelly – Designated Tunes - 393@65 and 9@30
Kelly’s talent speaks for itself but without Hammond and him, would Districts have built such a potential dynasty? Inspiring knocks with the bat, handy with the ball, loves being at the Crocs whether its on or off the field, brings the fun wherever he goes, what else do you want from an interstate player?
8. Matt Hammond – Circuit Captain - 19@15 and 147@20
A lean year with the stick but still doing all the right things with the ball at the Crocs, stiff to miss the Captaincy gig but will play a key role. His darts, chat put him up in the forefront of being annoying but hard to whack on any surface. Best years are ahead of him if he keep the Landy or Howard Springs Tavern to once a week adventures.
9. Hamish Martin – Designated Team Song Leader - 40@16
Martin the ever-consistent home grown talent that is NT’s best spin bowler behind Tom Andrews. If you are looking for someone to bowl the house down or entertain at the club or home, Martin is king. When the chips are down and you are in the trenches, he’ll keep working to either find a wicket or a laugh to get the lads up and about.
10. Caelan Maladay – Club Curator - 31@18 and 232@58
Maladay is starting to hit his straps and has been a great pick up for the Tigers along with lifting the fast-bowling standards in the comp. Charging in all day and does not drop pace, he is a great foil. Along with doing the club track, never misses an opportunity to have a beer. Big tick and ticker.
11. Jake Reed – 24@20
Another bloke with a huge ticker, Reedy has been steaming in for the Eagles all season and has the passion you want from a player coach in his first season at the Club. A leader in all the departments, from charging in for 13 straight with a busted toe, giving throwdowns at 7am or helping out a veteran with early season circuit form.
12. Test Match
How can you fault the passion, commitment and love for the game and support for the Village? While Test Match has not played a match in a few years, he is the ultimate team man that runs drinks, yells support, and bowls the house down in the nets. On the circuit he commits early to the dance floor while in rain delays would be a great on the back up vocals to Woodsy. And if it so happened that a player went down, and you needed a left arm quick like Trent Boult that slides them across, he is your man.
Scorer – Cheryl Owens
Can’t ask for a more dedicated scorer than Cheryl. Always a pleasure to see her in the box, stalwart of the Crocs and Darwin Cricket, never misses a beat or seen her frown, knows what the hard years were like and is now reaping the rewards.
Coach - Michael Hancock
Hancock first year at Nightcliff has been an up and down adventure, coaching the Tigers to a T20 performance with enough talent in the top order to be competitive in grade comps Australia wide. No mean feat pulling together a brand-new side in their first Darwin experience. Whether playing for or against him, he has been knowledgeable and open about the coaching experience up here and is another bloke that knows when to pull stumps are the right time. A good club man as well, readily has post-match drinks home or away which is critical in developing a side and gaining knowledge of a competition.