Kingborough will be out to retain it’s One Day and Two-Day crowns in the upcoming Cricket Tasmania Premier League season, but the Knights coach maintains his side must continue to improve in many facets of the game.
Despite two dominant grand final victories to close out last season, Kingborough will have eight other clubs hot on their tail as the 2024-25 season promises to be full of thrills.
Head Coach Tom Martyn is adamant the Knights are not yet a finished product.
“Off the back of an outstanding season, we are under no illusions as a club we need to strive for continued improvement to further solidify and enhance our position from last season,” Martyn said.
Kingborough has kept much of its 1st grade talent that saw it win two premierships last season, as well as gaining Zak Honeybrook from New South Wales in a bid to improve it’s fast bowling stocks.
Last year’s T20 premiers New Town is also keen to prove themselves as a dominant force in all three formats.
The Bucks will have to deal with the loss of Anthony Mosca but will be bolstered by the returning Tafara Mupariwa.
The Zimbabwean starred with the bat four seasons ago in New Town colours, and will be looking to return in similar fashion in the upcoming season.
They will travel to Kangaroo Bay on Saturday to face the team they defeated in last season’s T20 Grand Final, Clarence.
The Roos have countered the loss of Tom Vaughan with the coup of the newest Tasmanian spinner, Matthew Kuhnemann.
Kuhnemann arrives from Queensland, and while he may be on Tigers duty for much of the season, will be a major addition in Clarence’s effort to get over the hump.
Another side which has significantly bolstered its personnel is North Hobart.
In perhaps the competitions biggest inclusion, the Demons have brought former Glenorchy batsman Nick Davis into their side.
Davis averaged 38.89 with the bat in all competitions last season, including three centuries.
North Hobart has also secured the signing of a young Tiger, with New South Wales youngster Rafael MacMillan joining coach Richard Cowlard’s side.
The richly talented 19-year-old looks to impress with both bat and ball.
“Rafael MacMillan has already proven his match-winning capabilities at the Under-19 World Cup and for his club in NSW,” coach Richard Cowlard said.
“His knack for consistently taking wickets, along with his reliable contributions with the bat, showcase his versatility as a cricketer.”
“His ability to adapt to different playing conditions will be crucial as he transitions to Tasmanian pitches, where his skill set should allow him to thrive and make a big impact this season.”
In what promises to be a highly competitive opening matchup, North Hobart face a young Lindisfarne side on Sunday.
Lindisfarne’s young side will be looking to return to finals action following the inclusions of Sam Belford and young fast bowler Sebastian Brown.
Glenorchy is also looking to put itself back into contention and has more than made up for the loss of Nick Davis.
Former University leg spinner Mohammed Rizvi joins a Magpies side that is now rife with talent.
Rizvi starred for Uni two seasons ago, taking 44 wickets at 14.61, and showing promise with the bat.
But perhaps the biggest of all is the signing of Hobart Hurricanes star Nikhil Chaudhary.
Chaudhary starred in the BBL last year with the bat, as well as picking up key wickets with the ball, and will no doubt be a key factor for when he is available to play.
University will head into the new season with a similar squad to last season, with the only major changes that of fast bowler Tim Oakley heading interstate, and former Australian quick Ben Hilfenhaus taking over the coaching reigns from Damien Wright.
With a number of state-contracted players such as Tim Ward, Jake Doran, and Bradley Hope, as well as Hurricanes mystery spinner Patrick Dooley, the Lions will look to recreate the success of a few seasons ago.
Youngsters such as Louis Smith and Zac Phair will add a spark to an experienced lineup.
South Hobart-Sandy Bay is in a similar boat, as the squad holds a mixture of exciting youth and reliable experience.
Sean Willis and Harry Nichols are expected to score the bulk of the Sharks runs, while Tasmania Tiger Gabe Bell leads the line with the ball.
A new Tiger also joins their ranks, with young Queenslander Will Prestwidge sure to make an impact at Shark Park.
Coach Richard Allanby is keen to see how the offseason recruit goes.
“He will be a great addition, and we will be looking to him to have a big impact in games with both bat and ball,” Allanby said.
“He has fitted into the club really well.”
The men’s CTPL season kicks off on Saturday with one-day matches, as Clarence host New Town in a T20 grand final rematch.
Kingborough begin their premiership defence at home against University, while Sunday’s games see Lindisfarne play host to North Hobart at Kangaroo Bay, and Greater Northern take on Glenorchy in Launceston.
TEAM BY TEAM PREVIEW
CLARENCE
Last year: 2nd
Coach: Harry Allanby
Captain: Michael Jones
Major ins: Matthew Kuhnemann (Queensland), Archie Murrell (Lindisfarne)
Major outs: Tom Vaughan (Newcastle)
Coach says: “After falling short in 2 of the Grand Finals last year we will be hungry for some silverware. We saw significant improvement from our developing players last year and are hoping to see them take another step in the 2024/25 season.”
Player to watch: Kieran Elliott – The ace fast bowler took 36 wickets last year at an average of 19.14, as well as representing Tasmania on two occasions. He looks to continue his blistering form and bring silverware back to Kangaroo Bay.
GLENORCHY
Last year: 6th
Coach: Josh Hartill
Captain: Josh Hartill
Major ins: Nikhil Chaudhary (Northern Suburbs, QLD), Mohammed Rizvi (University of Tasmania), Nick Potts (Derbyshire, England), Dylan Hunter (Sydney Uni, NSW)
Major outs: Braden Taeuber (Dandenong, VIC), Alex Wynwood (Ulverstone), Nick Davis (North Hobart), Sanjay Anandarajah (North Hobart)
Coach says: “Building on the improved results from the 2023-24 season, we have recruited well during the off season. Our new recruits are able to play all formats well and are three dimensional players. Combined with the natural development from within our young emerging local talent, we have a well-balanced squad who will be more consistent. We are confident that with the players we have retained and recruited we will be contending for finals in all formats during the 2024-25 season.”
Player to watch: Nick Potts – The young Englishman fast bowler is a new inclusion to a Glenorchy side that has gone big in the offseason. Potts represents Derbyshire in county cricket in the UK and has been described as a “talent for the future.”
GREATER NORTHERN RAIDERS
Last year: 5th
Coach: Alistair Taylor
Captain: Alistair Taylor (2-day and one day); Aidan O’Connor (T20)
Major ins: Jack Crane (South Launceston), Michael Lukic (Westbury), Oliver Knowles (returning)
Major outs: nil
Coach says: “Really looking forward to the continued development of our core group. Especially our younger brigade with the likes of Tom Dwyer, Ethan Clark, Jack Crane, Lachie Clark and Kaidyn Apted. After a strong back end of last year the group is excited to continue on into season 24/25.”
Player to watch: Tom Dwyer – A prodigious talent from the north, Dwyer only played five times for the Raiders last season, but will no doubt secure a place as an opener this year. Dwyer scored three centuries for St Patrick’s College in the 1st XI competition last year, including a monstrous 118 off 110 balls in the grand final against Hutchins.
KINGBOROUGH
Last year: 4th, One Day & 2 Day Premierships
Coach: Tom Martyn
Captain: Dylan Hay
Major ins: Zak Honeybrook (QLD & Hawkesbury, NSW)
Major outs: Jake Vincent (Ulverstone), Kevin Chapman (QLD), Hamish Ayliffe (North Hobart)
Coach says: “We have a very young playing list across the grades so we will continue to drive a positive growth mindset and provide opportunities for our players to excel in our environment. We are really excited to for season 2024-24 and ultimately want to strive towards top 4 positions in all grades as we know what opportunities can present if we are to make it.”
“Captain Dylan Hay has been superb with both his leadership and training. By not playing footy this winter has allowed him to get a lot of cricket specific and gym training in for the first time in a long time. We expect this will correlate in a very strong season for Dylan.
“James Scott and Zac Curtain who were both members of our two day and one day premierships last season have had great preseasons within Cricket Tasmania's programs. Both went away on the Tigers preseason trip to Darwin and Zac is away in India with the Australian U19s side. These experiences we expect will fill both these guys with confidence and drive us forward as a club/side.
“Cam Walter has had an outstanding 12 months of sport playing in back-to-back premierships with Cygnet in the SFL and our CTPL premierships last season. His leadership and ownership of the group has grown off the back of this, and after some really strong performances for us at the back end of last season we believe Cam is in for a big 2024-25 season.”
Player to watch: James Scott – The young leg spinner took 14 wickets at 20.07 in 2nd grade just two seasons ago and has been slowly integrated into the 1st grade setup since. His brilliance was once again on display at the end of 2023 at the Under 19 National Championships. Scott took 17 wickets at 14.76 and was included in the team of the tournament. At just 19 years of age, he is one to look out for.
LINDISFARNE
Last year: 9th
Coach: Matt Wilkie
Captain: Keegan Oates
Major ins: Sebastian Brown (University of Tasmania), Sam Belford (QLD)
Major outs: Will Sanders (QLD), Archie Murrell (Clarence)
Coach says: “We have a very young, but talented group this season so building for the future is the main goal. Our best cricket will no doubt take it up to the best teams, but ultimately looking for improvement this year, individually as players and as a group.”
Player to watch: Luke Quinlan – The opening batsman showed immense talent last season, averaging 26.38. He represented Tasmania at the Under 19 National Championships in 2023, as well as playing for the Tasmania Tigers Second XI against Western Australia.
NEW TOWN
Last year: 8th, T20 Premiership
Coach: Peter Di Venuto
Captain: Joe Randall
Major ins: Tafara Mupariwa (Zimbabwe, returning), Charlie Griffith (Penrith, NSW)
Major outs: Anthony Mosca (Campbelltown Camden, NSW)
Coach says: “We will be competitive in all grades. We have built a squad over a few years now that can stand up and compete well. There is a really good combination of players from our club pathway and others externally who’ve joined us. There’s a great commitment amongst the playing group towards owning how they train, play and challenge one another. It’s enjoyable to see the growth of the players over the past few seasons.”
Player to watch: Mitchell Owen – It’s hard not to watch out for Owen. His power hitting has the ability to win games for whoever he’s representing, whether it be Tasmania, the Hurricanes, or New Town. Averaging 40.11 in 1st grade last year, Owen has proven to be a force to be reckoned with. He can also be dangerous with ball in hand.
NORTH HOBART
Last year: 1st
Coach: Richard Cowlard
Captain: Jack White
Major ins: Nick Davis (Glenorchy), Rafael MacMillan (St George District Cricket Club, NSW), Hamish Ayliffe (Kingborough), Sanjay Anandarajah (Glenorchy)
Major outs: Alex Pyecroft (UK), Ben Fraser (UK)
Coach says: “We’ve had a relatively low-key pre-season, as several of our senior players have been honing their skills in the UK. Those who have remained have shown great dedication, working hard on their fitness and technique to ensure they’re ready for the season ahead. Although we’ve lost some experienced players, our recruiting team has been proactive in bringing in promising young talent, which has added depth and energy to the squad. There’s a positive atmosphere around the club, with a sense of excitement about the opportunities this season presents. Our younger players are eager to make their mark, and the senior players are ready to lead by example. As always, our expectation is to play finals cricket, and we believe this group has the potential to achieve that goal. It’s about everyone stepping up, supporting each other, and making the most of every opportunity that comes our way.”
“Kade Applebee has had an impressive pre-season, showing great commitment and focus to his training. He has been receptive to feedback, actively working on the areas identified for improvement. Kade has also been willing to try new technical changes and approaches, which has helped him refine his skills further. His dedication, combined with his hard work, has put him in a strong position for the season ahead.
“Nicholas Davis is an exceptionally talented all-rounder who is steadily establishing himself as a future star for Tasmanian cricket. Last season, he showcased his ability to deliver big hundreds, demonstrating a level of consistency and maturity beyond his years. With the ball, he has proven to be more than just a support option, offering crucial breakthroughs at key moments. His versatility and match-winning potential make him an invaluable asset for North Hobart. If he can maintain his fitness and stay injury-free, Nicholas is poised to be a dominant force this season, playing a major role in driving the team towards success.
“Aidan Bariol has already proven himself as one of the most reliable batter/keepers in the CTPL. Spending the winter in the UK, he scored several hundreds, which has likely helped him grow as a player. With this experience, Aidan is well-prepared for a strong season in Tasmania and will be looking to continue his good form.”
Player to watch: Rafael MacMillan – A talented youngster from New South Wales, his ability to influence the game in all three facets, despite his age, is outstanding. It will remain to be seen how much MacMillan plays for North Hobart due to his position within the state setup, but there is no doubt he will be impactful when he does.
SOUTH HOBART-SANDY BAY
Last year: 7th
Coach: Richard Allanby
Captain: Gabe Bell
Major ins: Will Prestwidge (QLD)
Major outs: Jack Bowerman (New Norfolk)
Coach says: “Preseason has seen strong numbers. We are still a young group but looking to build on our 2023-24 season where we made a 50-over final. We will be looking to give opportunities to our talented youth players in Cooper Stubbs and Harry Thomson with the bat, and Charlie Fish with the ball returning from injury. We are now a more stable team with decent experience, so young players in Cadence Kuepper, Tom Willoughby, Sam Voss, and Edward Gulline will be looking at building on last year’s performance.”
Player to watch: Will Prestwidge – A cricketer with exceptional fast-bowling pedigree, Prestwidge’s father played for Queensland, while his siblings, Jack and Georgia, have both represented Queensland and Victoria, as well as BBL teams the Brisbane Heat and the Melbourne Renegades. Prestwidge arrives in Tasmania with high expectations and will look to play a major role for the Sharks.
UNIVERSITY OF TASMANIA
Last year: 3rd
Coach: Ben Hilfenhaus
Captain: Param Uppal
Major ins: nil
Major outs: Tim Oakley (South Australia), Mohammed Rizvi (Glenorchy)
Coach says: “We’ve still got all of the same players as last year. Louis Smith is back up and firing, he didn’t play a lot last year. He’s going to play a really important role for us, especially now that Tim’s gone.”
“A lot of it depends on what happens with state selection stuff, which will determine what opportunities are available for our younger guys coming through. From a club point of view we’re quite excited by it. It has actually strengthened the club quite a bit, especially for our core group. We feel like we’ve got a bit more depth as well. Most of our 1st grade group have been away and already playing in squads and stuff, so they’re all hopefully up and firing and ready to go this week.”
Player to watch: Louis Smith – Following a knee injury and subsequent surgery, Smith only managed four 1st grade games last season. The fast-bowling all-rounder still managed to play two Tasmania second XI games, as well as a starring performance in a 2-day match against North Hobart, where he took 8 wickets, including a 5-wicket haul. The youngster will be keen to get some overs under his belt and play a part in Uni’s chase for a premiership in 2024-25.