MID North Coast Cricket Council secretary Craig Lobegeier warns it is too early to write off Taree West as a MNC Premier League final four contender, despite the side’s poor start to the season.
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After eight rounds Taree West sits in last place on 12 points. They've yet to win a game.
However, Mr Lobegeier believes there is still enough time for Taree West to force their way into final four calculations, although he concedes they’ll have to start winning matches soon.
“Any side that has Josh Meldrum, Ryan Williams, JJ Burton and Paul Cox can't be sneezed at,’’ Mr Lobegeier said.
“They seem to be having trouble taking wickets at the moment, but I’m sure they can still be a force.’’
Taree West captain Ryan Williams told the Times last week that a serious lack of depth is his side’s main problem, with the club also without a win in the Manning second grade competition while they are fourth in third grade.
Williams has called up under 16s as replacements at various times this season to cover for injured or unavailable players.
Mr Lobegeier believes this season’s premier league competition is wide open.
“We have Port Pirates, who didn't win a game last year, undefeated on top of the ladder and Macquarie, last season’s premiers, coming second last,’’ he pointed out.
Mr Lobegeier said that Pirates fielded a young team in the premier league’s debut season of 2017/18 and they’ve obviously gained from the experience.
“But Port Leagues are starting to string together a few wins now, Wingham and Wauchope RSL are in the top four and United has a strong side,’’ he said.
“I don’t think we have a clear cut favourite yet.’’
Nine sides are again contesting the premier league. During the off-season there was speculation that the number could increase to 10 or even 11 following interest from Camden Haven and Great Lakes.
Mr Lobegeier believes Camden Haven could be in a position to join the league in 2019/20.
“They’re currently coming second in the Hastings first grade competition and one of their players, Ethan Alchin, scored a century recently,’’ he pointed out.
Camden Haven has 38 points trail the leaders, Macquarie, by three. There are six clubs in the first grade competition.
“I’ve told Camden Haven they have to build up their depth. It’s no use just having one side, you need a club,’’ Mr Lobegeier said.
He hasn’t heard anything about a bid from the Great Lakes club to join the premier league next season.
Great Lakes currently fields teams in the Manning second and third grade premierships. Lakes are second behind Old Bar in second grade and fifth in the seven team third grade.