Goonellabah Workers Sports build around youth for cricket success

The joint-venture reformed three years ago and they are one win away from a third straight final.

They won premiership last year against a Cudgen side who have been the benchmark in the competition for a decade.

The teams meet again in the semi-final at Mortimer Oval, Lismore on March 16-17.

"We probably couldn't ask for much more at this stage," coach Graham Armstrong said.

"We built the team around a what I call young experienced players which has given us a bit of longevity.

"Cudgen are still the benchmark and whoever wins this semi-final will probably be the favourite to take out the premiership."

Goonellabah Workers Sports have extra firepower in the top-order this year with the return of Ben Cooper.

He grew up playing in Lismore and has played for the Netherlands with his older brother Tom.

Ben brought all-rounder Dan Ter Braak, who has also played in the Dutch national team.

He is working as a chiropractor in Casino while Cooper could have the x-factor the team needs to defend its title.

"Ben is obviously used to a higher level of competition.

"This year he has been a massive asset for us to have around a young team.

"He's had the one big innings, but I think he's in the frame of mind to do something special in this finals series.

"To have him him back living at Corndale this year was great timing for us."

Kaleb Armstrong, Nathan Bezrouchko, Reece Gregor, Kale Hare, Josh Healy, Brody Toniello, Damien Santin and Alec Watson were part of the premiership-winning team and have played on the top grade this season.

Top-order batsman Andrew Kemmis has been the captain for all three seasons with Armstrong saying his contribution has been invaluable.

"He's our 50-year-old captain and he was a real factor in us entering the competition," he said.

"I'd say he's definitely been the key to our success and I wouldn't have been confident without having him.

"He's played in a lot of big games over the years too and we want to make sure we play well for him."

Semi finals:

Marist Brothers v Casino RSM Cavaliers at Oakes Oval, Lismore

Goonellabah Workers Sports v Cudgen at Mortimer Oval, Lismore

FINAL LADDER:

Marist Brothers 59

Goonellabah Workers Sports 55

Cudgen 41

Casino RSM Cavaliers 41

Tintenbar-East Ballina 30

Pottsville 28

Alstonville 23

Murwillumbah 16

Ballina Bears 13