CricSim Herald: Team Previews

CricSim Herald​

TEAM PREVIEWS
By Morgan Burridge & Lloyd Townsend

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ALLSTARS

1. DR Armstrong
2. BJT Manera
3. LV Himann
4. RST Downpipes
5. DW Lewis
6. BA Storer
7. AJ O'Driscoll
8. AD Funkotron
9. HT Davis
10. HG Emm
11. JHF Howe

INS: NG Scott (Ravens), RS Yamadera, DAJS James
OUTS: JJD Heads, CM Dyer (Crusaders), CJ Downes (Pumas), JB Dempsey (Sticky Wickets)

In their comeback year, the Allstars performed well, yet they could have performed better. This season, they lost their keeper JB Dempsey, but the side largely remains the same.

Strengths: With two of the best seamers in CricSim, perhaps the most promising bowler in CricSim and a quality spinner, they should at least not have many troubles taking 20 wickets. Their top five are still class acts and they should continue their excellent performances this season.

Weaknesses: Team balance could be a worry. Having Storer, O'Driscoll and Funkotron as their 6, 7 and 8 respectively could potentially be a liability as they may not be able to ram home advantages from their top five. Their depth is a little weaker this season, but not significantly.

Key Player: DW Lewis, he was the best Allstars batsman last season, and he must perform this season if they want to succeed.

Range: 2nd-3rd. They should go well, but if their batting declines or their weak middle-lower order flops they may fall away a little. However, their bowling will keep them in the running.

Predicted Finish: 3rd

ALC: Given their side, it was a disappointment they didn't win last season. Although quite a few players left, such as <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=958>CM Dyer</a>, JJD Heads and CJ Downes, as well as a few promotions, they should still do well, and a bowling attack that contains TG Bullpitt, AP Farnsworth and TJ Bradford should perform to a high standard. They will still be contenders, but not the dominant force they were last season.

Horrigan Cup: Although their side isn't among the hardest trainers in CricSim, their bowling should be enough for them to do okay.

Horrigan Plate: After losing a few players during the contract period and having not noticeably head-hunted well-trained replacements, they may struggle this season.

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CRUSADERS

1. P Retzel
2. JJD Heads
3. E Ames
4. TA Miokovic
5. M Perry
6. <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=450>TJ Clough</a>
7. BI Immanuel
8. JH Ridd
9. JJ Ritchie
10. SB Wilson
11. DA Crowley

INS: CM Dyer, JJD Heads (Allstars), TA Miokovic, NG Miokovic (Pumas), LA Pilgrim (Sticky Wickets), AG Smith
OUTS: S Bakkum (Pumas), JD Hurricane (Cyclones)

Despite finishing in the bottom two for the past four seasons, there is cause for optimism this season. With improvements from their pre-existing squad and other sides around them declining, they could potentially make a push for the finals with a good season.

Strengths: The Crusaders have what looks like a fairly well-balanced side. The core of their bowling attack looks good and several of their batsmen have had quality seasons in the past. Unlike in past seasons, there aren't really any liabilities in the side.

Weaknesses: Lack of star power. While plenty of players have potential, only one player can really be considered one of the best of his craft. Furthermore, the main batsmen have at times been inconsistent during their careers.

Key Player: E Ames. He needs to find the form he had in seasons 9 and 10 if the Crusaders are to perform well this season.

Range: 4th-5th. Although they will likely go better than in previous seasons, it's probably stretching it to consider them a genuine contender.

Predicted Finish: 4th

ALC: Here the Knights won the spoon last season. Their side isn't significantly better than this time around but they did massively improve towards the end of last season and have some very promising youngsters, such as CL Warrington and CM Dyer. They should perform particularly well here during the beginning of the season.

Horrigan Cup: Plenty of promise. Although they only finished mid-table last season, the squad has improved and they'll be hoping to play well.

Horrigan Plate: Again they struggled last season, and probably won't perform very well here. However, they do have a number of active youngsters which may turn their fortunes around.

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CYCLONES

1. AM Farhat
2. IV Narang
3. JP Gonzalez
4. S Masters
5. EI Morris
6. TR Man
7. N Hunt
8. BC Jacobs
9. SM Green
10. J McDougal
11. MJ Edwards

INS: IV Narang, BC Jacobs (Sticky Wickets), G Furball, GIMH Martyn (Gamblers), JD Hurricane (Crusaders), A Haque, AR Dforum, R Romas, HHA Akram, BFP Kirk
OUTS: CJ Laing (Ravens), S Verigotta (Vipers), AJ O'Neill (Gamblers), DT Petrucci (Sticky Wickets), CJ Smith (released)

Although the general consensus was that the Cyclones would win the spoon in Season 11, they surprised with strong performances from their batting lineup. However, now they need to start all over again with the departure of four of their players with an overhaul from president Eddie Morris.

Strengths: They have an experienced batting line-up and while some of those players have spent recent seasons in reserve grade, there are still some decent players in there. They also appear to have a strong junior base.

Weaknesses: Their bowling attack. Although they did manage it to a degree last season, this time they don't have the same strength at the top of the order.

Key Player: MJ Edwards, he showed significant promise last season, which was a surprise due to his lack of reputation. This season, he needs to turn into an elite seamer for the Cyclones to excel.

Range: 8th-9th. They did over-achieve last season, so maybe it can happen again – this being said, the Cyclones will most likely finish towards the bottom of the ladder.

Predicted Finish: 9th

ALC: While they have some good youngsters, their side is inexperienced and their youngsters aren't really the same quality as other clubs. Will likely struggle.

Horrigan Cup: Most likely, they won't perform too badly but they won't really challenge that for victory either. A mid-table finish would be a success.

Horrigan Plate: Having quite a few youngsters with potential helps here, so they could surprise. However, they are largely an unknown quantity so could dramatically flop.

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GAMBLERS

1. A Vago
2. AJ O'Neill
3. BG Herd
4. BJ Gemmell
5. BL Hornby
6. L Popovic
7. BS Read
8. MC Burridge
9. L Tyson
10. BJ Taylor
11. JU Rocker

INS: AJ O'Neill (Cyclones), WD Robinson (Stingrays), BK Davidson, <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=370>SIA Yates</a>
OUTS: GIMH Martyn, G Furball (Cyclones), BR Hall (Pumas), JP Anraad (Sticky Wickets), KN Rask (Stingrays)

Although they had a decent season last time around, the Gamblers have been a source of controversy this season due to the departure of some very promising youngsters, apparently due to the club's weak culture from the lack of attention played by the club's management. They hope to bounce back from this, but can they manage it?

Strengths: Their batting lineup not only is very long, it still has some class acts in there as well. Scoring runs should not be a problem for the Gamblers. Furthermore, in BJ Taylor, they have one of the best bowlers in CricSim.

Weaknesses: Taylor might be quality, but he sorely lacks support in the rest of the bowling attack, so they may struggle to take wickets. Furthermore, the side has been fairly lazy with regards to training and it may be catching up on them.

Key Player: BJ Taylor, he took the most wickets in the Bannerman Shield last season. His performances are vital for the Gamblers, this season more than ever.

Range: 7th-9th. Concerns over declines and a lack of a well-rounded bowling attack will cause this side to struggle. They could even finish last if things don't go their way.

Predicted Finish: 8th

ALC: Although they finished 4th last season, they have lost some of their best players and will probably struggle without them.

Horrigan Cup: This was a worry for them last season. The Gamblers are again likely to finish near the bottom of the ladder.

Horrigan Plate: A decent Season 11 has been wrecked by many of their best young players leaving, so once again they're likely to struggle this season.

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PUMAS

1. S Bakkum
2. JE Harding
3. RK Fittaman
4. SA Flack
5. JA Chewie
6. LE Schaw
7. AJ Son
8. MD Dorn
9. AD Hunt
10. HJ Bots
11. DM Diggler

INS: CJ Downes (Allstars), S Bakkum (Crusaders), BR Hall (Gamblers), HJ Bots, <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=894>RL Hauritz</a> (Stingrays)
OUTS: TA Miokovic, NG Miokovic (Crusaders), DB Wayne (Ravens)

Last year's runners-up have made their intentions this season very clear - to catch up to the Vipers and win the Bannerman Shield. Although this has led to controversy and a backlash from opposition fans, they should still fire on the pitch.

Strengths: Their batting, particularly the middle-order, is up there with if not the best in the competition. Like last season, they'll score a ton of runs, and their vague concern - their openers - has been fixed. They also have a ton of spinners, including one of the best in the competition in AD Hunt.

Weaknesses: Their main weakness is their lack of quality seamers, however they dealt with this fine last season and can be expected to do so again, particularly whilst playing at home.

Key Player: AD Hunt, he is one of the best bowlers in the competition, and he needs to fire again if the Pumas want to emerge as this season’s champions.

Range: 1st-3rd. Should have little problems staying at the top, though there is the possibility of some of their players losing form as they aren't quite as established as other sides.

Predicted Finish: 2nd

ALC: Here the Pumas are probably the favourites - and with good reason. Making the finals last season, they have further built up their side with CJ Downes and BR Hall joining a successful side. Indeed they should play well.

Horrigan Cup: Semi-finalists in Season 11, they are probably one of the best sides this season. Noted for their hard work, it should convert to success in the shorter format.

Horrigan Plate: They only finished mid-table here last season. Their squad does look a lot better though. However, they're unlikely to challenge for the title.

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RAVENS

1. RG Cribb
2. PM Jackson
3. MJ Deane
4. DP Howell
5. SSD Dong
6. CJ Laing
7. CC Classified
8. M Faithful
9. P Orr
10. IA Ryabovol
11. MP Chung

INS: CJ Laing (Cyclones), DB Wayne (Pumas)
OUTS: NG Scott (Allstars)

Although they under-performed quite a bit last season, the Ravens have high hopes. Will they be able to perform?

Strengths: Depth and options. In their likely starting lineup, everyone bar Jackson and Howell has shown ability with the ball, and with high-quality all-rounders, they can promote talented options should players underachieve. Team balance is not an issue.

Weaknesses: Their batting was a problem last season and they haven't really covered here all that well. Whilst their lineup has got a lot of depth, not a lot of them are truly stars.

Key Player: RG Cribb has become one of the leading players in CricSim. Far and away the Ravens' best batsman last season, he needs to perform again in order for the Ravens to achieve the results they crave.

Range: 4th-5th. Probably should finish mid-table but a possibility to surprise.

Predicted Finish: 5th

ALC: Here they won the competition last season and much of the side is the same. Will be there or thereabouts again, particularly with so much experience and fringe first-graders.

Horrigan Cup: Like the ALC, they won here last season. Should once again go close.

Horrigan Plate: Made the semis here last season. Will probably perform well.

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STICKY WICKETS

1. DG Speirs
2. DT Petrucci
3. JP Thornton
4. AJ Parker
5. DA Alessi
6. JB Dempsey
7. JM Hughes
8. GEC King
9. RS Hutchinson
10. SDR Laing
11. AJ Izett

INS: DT Petrucci (Cyclones), JB Dempsey (Allstars), GEC King (Stingrays), AJ Izett (Pumas), JM Hughes (Vipers)
OUTS: IV Narang, BC Jacobs (Cyclones), LA Pilgrim (Crusaders), <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=468>Z Payne</a>, <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=459>CO Chapnis</a> (Stingrays)

After 'winning' the wooden spoon in Season 11, the Sticky Wickets have bounced back signing a few of CricSim's [former] stars to make their side look a lot more respectable than their Season 11 outfit.

Strengths: Some of their batsmen are serious heavyweights. Although it really took a toll on the Stickies in Season 11, they are unlikely to have such problems with form as they did then. They have also added several stars such as Dempsey and Petrucci to the lineup. Their bowling attack has some variety, too.

Weaknesses:Their tail looks very long. Whilst their bowling has variety, it seems as if it may be lacking in quality - many of their bowlers have been inconsistent at Bannerman Shield level.

Key Player: GEC King. As the only bowler with significant pedigree at Bannerman Shield level, he needs to step up to help ram home the platform that the batsmen set up.

Range: 6th-8th. They look a lot better than last season, but any signs of returning to their former glory is still rather far-fetched.

Predicted Finish: 6th

ALC: Surprisingly they actually finished mid-table last season, but whilst their batting has potential, they desperately need some bowlers.

Horrigan Cup: Their side performed better in OD cricket than FC, but they still won the spoon. Will probably still be among the stragglers, despite their recruitment.

Horrigan Plate: They also won the spoon here, and will probably struggle again.

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STINGRAYS

1. DG Dafter
2. SM Morgan
3. IT Lee
4. ML Martyn
5. K Fung
6. S Das
7. BE Force
8. KN Rask
9. AJ James
10. SJ Cambridge
11. ZM Ikram

INS: KN Rask (Gamblers), CO Chapnis, Z Payne (Sticky Wickets), LO Townsend, CJ Ardley
OUTS: WD Robinson (Gamblers), HJ Bots, <a href=http://cricsim.com/site/players.php?id=894>RL Hauritz</a> (Pumas), GEC King (Sticky Wickets), BH Borisc

Recently, it appears that the Stingrays have become the junior nursery of CricSim. However, these things take time and many of their experienced stars are departing.

Strengths: Their depth and their remaining established first-graders. Their few stars are of a high quality, and are only getting better. Their strong junior nursery has its perks too - it allows them to replace underachieving players adequately.

Weaknesses: Inexperience seems a little bit of a worry - there are less established first-graders than at other clubs. Their depth may be long, it isn't that strong - many of their first-graders would only play reserve grade at other clubs.

Key Player: SM Morgan needs to lead an inexperienced and maligned batting lineup. For the Stingrays to perform, he needs to fire.

Range: 6th-8th. Likely to finish in the bottom half of the ladder, however they may do well if their youngsters progress strongly.

Predicted Finish: 7th

ALC: Now here they look strong. With the youngsters having heaps of potential and training really hard, they should fire here.

Horrigan Cup: Narrowly missing out on the finals last season, they should be expected to be there or thereabouts next season, particularly with hot competition for places.

Horrigan Plate: Here they won last season, and are hot favourites to do so again due to their heavy training regimes amongst youngsters.

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VIPERS

1. JE McGrath
2. JRE Luffman
3. T Delonge
4. J Torres
5. R Gee
6. S Verigotta
7. SLO Graham
8. GJ Weaver
9. DA Eggman
10. WC Welker
11. BOY Blunder

INS: S Verigotta (Cyclones), HJ Hebditch, SD Mathews, BS Kill
OUTS: JM Hughes (Sticky Wickets)

Last year’s Bannerman Shield premiers hope to go along for the same ride again. With the squad largely the same, they should perform well.

Strengths: They have three of the top four highest ranked bowlers in CricSim. That's a huge advantage in itself, but their middle order is also superb. It's easy to see why they have been the dominant team over the past few seasons.

Weaknesses: Not having a proper fifth bowler could potentially be a liability as it may rob the bowling attack of variety and a partnership breaker. Their depth is also somewhat worrying, but it says a lot about their side that those are their main weaknesses.

Key Player: J Torres, although their batting is strong, it is not quite as strong as their bowling, so he still needs to perform for them to successfully defend their premiership. He'll also have to contribute with the ball, though.

Range: 1st-2nd. Should not drop out of the top three and have an excellent chance to defend their premiership.

Predicted Finish: 1st

ALC: Although the Cobras tend to find youngsters to perform well for their side, not many players are truly stars at this level. Probably a mid-table finish here.

Horrigan Cup: Here they won the premiership, as in FC cricket. They will be there or thereabouts again.

Horrigan Plate: Here they struggled quite a bit last season, and are more likely to remain near the bottom of the ladder rather than climb to the top.