WITH a new face at the helm, it will be the same goal for North Sportsman’s, as captain Nick McInerney hopes to lead his side and retain the Barber Shield cricket title in season 2019/20.
McInerney will look to pick up from where his brother Matthew left off and become the first team to go back-to-back since South Gambier five seasons ago.
He will possess arguably the strongest senior side in the region, with the Tigers having played in the last five grand finals for three flags.
But despite North’s remarkable consistency, McInerney said the group has never been more desperate to climb the mountain again and defend its crown.
“We are still hungry as ever,” he said.
“We have had a little bit of recent success, but we have not been able to sustain it over the last few years.
“So we are certainly hungry to keep it going and build on the momentum from last year.”
Experience is the reason why the Tigers have been the dominant side in the region.
They have been able to build around a core-group of senior players, who know their role in the side and can adapt to almost any match situation, with either bat or ball.
With no less than nine players who have achieved multiple premierships, it is no wonder North is always a contender.
McInerney said the knowledge and depth of the senior ranks at Marist Park is the greatest strength.
“I think we are even across the board,” he said.
“We have a lot of depth in our club because there are plenty of blokes who can step up and fill in if needed.
“Having 14 or 15 genuine A Grade cricketers in the club is huge for us.”
It is for this reason McInernrey is confident the departure of long-time opener Matthew – who will play district cricket for Glenelg – will be covered at the top of the order.
Matthew scored over 4000 runs as a Tiger and Nick McInerney said his brother will be missed, but believes it will provide a chance for a new face to step up.
“Matt is a good player and a big loss to our side,” he said.
“But we have a lot of blokes who have probably not had the opportunity they deserve.
“It is a good opportunity for them to take on other roles.”
McInerney suggested incumbents such as Kane Badman, Mitch Lewis, Tom Edwards and Declan Kenny, but the vacant role might open the door for a new recruit.
North is the latest club to sign up an Englishmen, with 23-year-old Aidan Thatcher ready to take the challenge of Australian summer conditions.
Thatcher is a batsman from Adel Cricket Club and has scored almost 3000 league runs with four centuries to his name.
McInerney said Thatcher is a welcome addition to the club and looks forward to seeing how he settles in.
“He looks like a pretty good batsman,” McInerney said.
“He also bowls some decent leg spin, but his strength is batting for sure.
“We have seen a little bit of him and he is in good touch from the season prior (in England).
“I am sure we will find a spot for him.”
If Thatcher does nail a place down in the Tigers’ top order, it would be an achievement in itself.
Led by the classy Jake Schutz, North possesses one of the most solid batting line ups in the region, with run scorers right down the order.
Last summer’s leading run scorers were dominated by the yellow and black, with four Tigers in the top six batsmen.
Schutz was the cream of the crop with 716 runs with a top score of 224, while Lewis, Michael Johnston, Justin McConnell and both McInerney’s consistently made valuable contributions.
McInerney said the vast depth and selfless mindset at the crease from the top to the tail order has been pivotal.
“A focus for our side for many years has not been who gets the runs, but just about setting a total,” he said.
“We do have the experience and talent around to know somebody should get the job done regardless of who it is.
“So whoever has their day, we will just back them in.”
But McInerney believes North’s greatest strength is with the ball and the numbers back it up.
The Tigers possess the most rounded attack in the competition with McInerney, Johnston, Kenny and Tim Young all potent threats.
In 2018/19, McInerney, Johnston and Kenny all took 20 wickets each, while Young was not far behind with 19 dismissals.
The highest average between them was Young with just 11 runs-per wicket.
McInerney said the side – the only team to concede less than 1000 runs last season – builds off its performance with the ball.
“We try and build our game off our bowling,” he said.
“It is a huge part and we do back ourselves to defend whatever we can or restrict teams to as little score as we can.
“We have the same personnel around the place, so we will back our guys in to have another good year.”
