NICL – Mid-Season Recap

In the Men’s draw, Croydon Raiders have been the standout team across both divisions, undefeated after 10 matches. They have been led through consistent performances from Justin and Kieran Perkins, and will take on the young Monash Tigers team looking to secure their fourth win for the season.

Frankston Sharks and Cranbourne Kings will again meet, with both looking to secure second place in the East division. Frankston have contributed their success to strong performances from Clive Rose and Cameron Dinger with the bat, while Cranbourne will rely on David Dervan as well as Mitch and Josh Gregory if they are to sneak into finals.

In the West, it is tight at the top of the table, with Northcote Knights, Melton Falcons and Hoppers Crossing Hurricanes all still in contention for the minor premiership.

Northcote Knights have had an even spread of contributors across the competition, but have been led by Phil Hiah who sits in the list of leading run-scorers and wicket takers. They will take on Hoppers Crossing who also have had several role players throughout the season, but will use the experience of Trent Lawford to boost their chances of a grand final appearance.

NICL Victoria: Men’s Leading Run-Scorers:

151 – Justin Perkins (Croydon Raiders)

151 – Kieran Perkins (Croydon Raiders)

142 – Mackenzie Harvey (Monash Tigers)

136 – Grant McDonald (Melton Falcons)

135 – Travis Baker (Croydon Raiders)

NICL Victoria: Men’s Leading Wicket Takers:

18 – Justin Perkins (Croydon Raiders)

16 – Michael Sullivan (Croydon Raiders)

16 – Chris Krolikowski (Croydon Raiders)

15 – Travis Baker (Croydon Raiders)

15 – Steve Robertson (Melton Falcons)

NICL Victoria: Overall Contribution:

132 – Justin Perkins (Croydon Raiders)

120 – Travis Baker (Croydon Raiders)

95 – Rod Bird (Frankston Sharks)

77 – Grant McDonald (Melton Falcons)

74 – Jarrod Armitage (Frankston Sharks)

The Women’s NICL in Victoria heads into its last round of regular season matches with a number teams still vying for finals spots. In the West, the Kings sit atop the ladder and will take on the Laura Shaw led Springvale Scorpions this weekend, who sit three points behind in third place.

Northcote Knights are also just behind the Kings in second place, and will take on Melton – who remarkably can also still make the Finals if they were to win. Emma Medland is the competitions leading wicket taker for the Knights and will be an important factor in the game.

In the East, the Falcons and Monash Tigers are tied for top spot, which may come down to skins points as the Falcons take on the Springvale Seahawks, while the Tigers do battle with the Northcote Pirates.

For the Falcons, Michelle Lewtas has been in top form as the competitions leading run-scorer, while Stella Reid has led the way for the young Tigers team with bat and ball.

NICL Victoria: Women’s Leading Run-Scorers:

148 – Michelle Lewtas (Falcons)

131 – Tamzyn Wright (Northcote Knights)

129 – Zoe Griffiths (Melton)

121 – Briony Polkinghorne (Melton)

120 – Keely Pace (Cranbourne)

NICL Victoria: Women’s Leading Wicket Takers:

20 – Emma Medland (Northcote Knights)

15 – Sandy Davies (Kings)

13 – Katia Jomini (Kings)

12 – Chloe Rafferty (Melton)

12 – Georgia Peel (Northcote Knights)