Building around youth could pay dividends for Brothers in cricket final

The 40-year-old has been a regular for Brothers in Far North Coast LJ Hooker League cricket since the 2012-2013 season.

In that time he has been the spearhead of the bowling attack, taking over 300 wickets.

Brothers have turned to youth in recent years and have not played in a two-day final since 2009-2010.

They do have some finals experience with Mitchell part of the team who played Cudgen in a one-day final two years ago.

Top order batsmen Ash Simes, Kevin Warid, Pat Martin and young spinner Tom Parsons are the only other players left from that side.

"It's obviously an exciting time and it's something we set out to do at the beginning of the year," Mitchell said.

"It's been a tough road, but we've made it this far and have a good opportunity from here.

"They've (Cudgen) been the benchmark for a number of years and it's up to us to perform at that level.

"They'll probably go in as favourites and deservedly so, but I think we have the team that can match them.

"It's been a long time between drinks for the club and not every team has made it to a final."

Brothers will need to topple Cudgen (6-182) after it defeated Goonellabah Workers Sports (179) in a four-wicket win in its semi-final

The Brethren (191, 0-18) were convincing winners over Casino (47, 158).

Cudgen have been the most successful club in the competition since 2013.

Since then they have played in seven of the two-day finals, winning five of them.

Alstonville broke an 18-year premiership drought against Cudgen in 2017 while Goonellabah Workers Sports defeated them to claim its first title last season.

"To be consistent all year long is a big thing and that's probably one thing that has let us down in the past," Mitchell said.

"We've turned that around this year and hopefully this group is ready to take the next step.

"Our bowling is one of the better ones in the competition.

"It's all good to say that, we actually have to go out there and do it, though."

"Cooper Williams and Joe Parsons are only 13 and 15 years old.

"They're enthusiastic and that rubs off on us older guys.

"Hopefully they'll go further in the next few years and we look forward to seeing how where they end up with their cricket."

Cudgen has plenty of match-winners in its side and will look to the likes of all-rounder Pat Rosser, captain Alec Williams and fast bowler James Julies.

Julius and Rosser took three wickets each in its semi-final win over Goonellabah Workers Sports while experienced top order batsman Tait Burns scored 87 not out.

The match will be played at Oakes Oval on March 23-24 from 11am to 6pm both days with spectators welcome to attend.