Larkin, an opening batsman and Taree West’s favourite son, has two Sheffield Shield tons this year and should immediately be selected in the under-performing national side. Larkin scored a career high 175 not out a few weeks ago against Queensland and backed this up with 109 against South Australia last weekend.

He has runs on the board, unlike some present batsmen in the national side.

Taree’s overdue for a test cricket representative – Johnny Martin way back in the 1960s was our last. We’ve been propping up the Kangaroos for years with likes of Danny Buderus, Boyd Cordner and Latrell Mitchell so now it’s cricket’s turn.

Larkin will take the fight to the rampant Indians. It’s going to be a long and difficult summer for the Australians. At least with Larkin in the side we’ll have something to cheer about.

Actually, if memory serves us correctly, Boyd Cordner showed a bit of promise as a cricketer when he was a young bloke. They might as well pick him as well.

They could hardly do worse after the debacle in Adelaide.

TAREE Touch Footy Association’s Graham Goodwin and Warren Steedman are now qualified Level 4 referees.

The pair passed the required test last weekend at the State Cup held at Port Macquarie. This means they can control matches up to Australian championship standard and it’s a first for Taree Touch.

THERE’S been plenty of rivalry between Wingham and United cricket sides in the last couple of years.

Word has it this was on display on Saturday in the Mid North Coast Premier League clash at Chatham Park. We’ve been told there were a couple of heated exchanges during the match, eventually won by Wingham. At least two players have been reported for Code of Conduct breaches. Wingham’s win places them on top of the premier league while United hold down equal fourth.

United has the bye this weekend, while Wingham takes on the improving Taree West. Play goes into recess after this Saturday and the premier league will revert to T20 games during January.

The competition-proper doesn’t resume until Saturday, February 2 in what will be an interesting run to the semi-finals.

THE Lower North Coast junior golf season has been run and won.

There’ll be a bit of a break now until the 2019 program is underway, with the first event to be the Forster Junior Open on May 5.

The full calendar is expected to be released soon.