IT’S been a long eight years but Nichols Point are finally into the Sunraysia Cricket Association First Division finals.
The Pointers’ win over Mildura East on Saturday confirmed their finals berth and a match-up against Irymple is likely on the cards. It’s just to be determined if it will be played at the Point Rec Reserve or Henshilwood Oval.
After moving back to the Sunraysia competition in 2011, the club slowly bled senior teams into respective divisions and put a heavy focus on junior development. They joined the first division in 2014 and, after a few near misses, they have secured a top four spot.
While Gol Gol and Irymple no doubt going as strong favourites for the 2022/23 premiership, Nichols Point are in their best possible decision to strike as dark horses for the flag.
Stars like Shaun Mathews and Luke Coates have been at the forefront, recruits Shannon Bowen and Nick Blacker have been strong additions and the returns of Indian import Kaushik Aphale and the aggressive Leigh Thomson-Mathews have turned the side into a strong batting unit.
Then add the extra exposure of youngsters like Lewis Dichiera and it creates a balanced unit.
Coach Coates said the consistency of playing group across the season has helped their upward trajectory.
“I know there’s a really good feeling around the place, and I know a few of the older heads around the club are really excited that we’ve been able to get there,” he said.
“Potentially our thirds might get into the top four as well so the whole club is buzzing.
“The depth in the batting order has been great, we can really go down to 11 and we’ve even got a few more options in other grades as well.
“Having that ability allows you to set good targets or gives you a greater chance to chase down targets but you still need the bowlers to back it up too and we’ve been able to have those.”
First port of call before finals however is the final round home and away clash with Merbein at Chaffey Park.
Coates is hopeful they can usurp Irymple, who face ladder leaders Gol Gol, and earn themselves as home final.
“Being our first finals it would be great to qualify for a home game because I believe we could get a really good crowd there,” he said.
“If it doesn’t happen it doesn’t worry us, we’re happy to play anywhere.
“There’s a really big emphasis on this final round to make sure people are putting their hands up for finals and we’re going in in good form.
“It was great to see Shan Bowen coming back with a bang with 70-odd and Leigh (Thomson-Mathews) at the top has been fantastic.
“I think with Leigh he’s got that no-care attitude. It doesn’t matter the situation he just approaches every innings the same way.”
