The Darwin Cricket News & Scores Team of the Year was a tough one, a lot of people sitting par for the course, but it was not all about cricket, but how you play the Darwin game, being a good clubman, circuiting, enjoying the Territory.
In batting order
1. Douwtjie Hoogenboezem – 720@80
Huge Season DJ, made runs at the top of the order and when it countered, was looking like taking Nightcliff to their first grand final berth in over a decade but didn’t have the support. Great to see him return after debuting for the Tigers last season, a class player and fella.
2. Dylan Mullen – 478 @36 & 29@20
Easy to point to the big guns at Southern Districts but with out Mullen, they’d fall over. You need the glue in a team full of imports, and he is it. Back taking good bags of wickets plus a debut hundred up top, his banter off field makes up for his on field chat, plus he always looks a million bucks.
3. Jacob Dickman – 564@62
Absolute class Darwin cricketer and played some beautiful innings through out the year, none more so than his ton in the semi final. Always down at the club and watching games, he wears his heart on his sleeve, loves a tussle and if he keeps playing the game, will be the definition of a fine wine.
4. Coby Edmondstone – 496@41 & 27@26
The C man had a cracking year, tipping in and making big knocks plus taking some good poles too. The last round of the season would have been something special, a fantastic stand with Lavers, this is a player that PINT can build a team around.
5. Tommy Jackson - 425@32
The smiling assassin, started off extremely well then form backed off, that doesn’t matter though, got a medal and a start in the granny. Great lad to see on and off the field and even better on the circuit, hopefully returns for 2024.
6. Josh Kann – 421@32 & 7@38
More starts than finishes, Kann doesn’t leave you wondering what happened Saturday or Saturday night, he’ll tell ya. This year’s circuit captain, Kann needs to rustle the numbers up a bit more to be an out and out JHM. Consecutive team of the year appearances. Will he come back for a fourth season is the big question?
7. Jack Wood – 425@85 13@27
Absolute dynamite for Waratah and only makes the team (after leaving early) because of the impact he had, Tahs could easily have gone all the way if remained. Whether he is strumming a guitar or slinging a bat, he dominated proceedings all season. Consecutive team of the year appearances.
8. Michael Kudra +* - 310@34 – 22 catches 5 RO, 3 Stumpings
Pickles is continuing to grow as a player, led Nightcliff admirably. Another player that if he keeps returning the club can continue to build success around. Another South Australian summer will do wonders.
9. Hamish Martin – 220@24 & 22@24
Misbah found some form with the stick besides just being one of the best if not consistently best spin bowler in the comp. Would love to see his wicket tally but PlayHQ f***ing sucks, so it’s a bit more work than I've got time for. Similar to Edmondstone and Kudra, a player to build around! Consecutive team of the year appearances.
10. Caelan Malady - 207@25 & 27@20
Absolute killed with the ball and then maybe ran out of a little bit of puff with huge overs workload. The leading fastman in the competition second year running, hopefully he has a third year in him. Consecutive team of the year appearances.
11. Charlie Smith – 24@22
The young leg spinner continues to develop and unbelievably didn’t get picked in the NT side. He did however apparently play against the Pakistani side in an invitational XI and bowled the house down. Hopefully selectors see the errors of their way as this one hasn’t. Was masterful in the One Day comp, look forward to his work next season.
12. Tom McGann + - 423@35 – 13 catches 2 Stumpings
A real live wire, making runs on and off the field consistently. A lot of laughs post match and would find somewhere to circuit in the desert, unlucky not to make the starting XI, already had a keeper, Territory first.
Coach – Michael Hancock - Consecutive team of the year appearances.
The type of coach that should be getting a go instead of blank responses from HP. Great to see Hancock return and hopefully is locked in for another season. His work for the Tigers second year running sees them nab the One Day title, maybe third time is a charm for the Two Day flag. A great bloke to see out for a chat whether its cricket or banter.
Scorer – Cheryl Owens - Consecutive team of the year appearances.
Like another scorer, out of the game due to compulsory use of PlayHQ. Makes side on longevity for the game up here and being one of the greats to see around Darwin Cricket.
President – Murali Varatharajan
The Tigers continue to build under his leadership and they looked to almost have broken the shackles. Good numbers and strong off field culture is what makes a successful club, they keep that up and they’ll go close again.
Curator - Des from Palmerston CC
Had the Palmerston pitch in great shape all season, well presented, strong grass coverage and dedication to the job regardless who was playing. Nothing better than seeing a curator stroll out there with a beer on Friday arvo, job well done.
The Darwin Cricket News & Scores Team of the Year - 2023
