Sport
7 October, 2025
Cricket season returns
CRICKET season is back, and the Mareeba and Atherton sides are looking forward to another year of summer action, with the first games being played this weekend.
The Mareeba Bandits and Atherton Cricket Club are gearing up for another season, with both teams facing up against last year’s grand finalists.
Mareeba will be taking on premiers Norths Cairns Cricket Club, while Atherton will take on the runners-up, Mulgrave.
Mareeba captain Brendan Falvo said he was looking forward to the upcoming season.
“I’m feeling pretty good. We’ve got a couple of young fellas coming back, so we’ve got some good depth this year, probably better than last year,” he said.
“And we’ve got our international Fahim coming back, so he’ll be a big addition to the team again.
“The confidence is really good. Over the years we’ve gotten to experience what it’s like to be an A Grade side, so the more games we get under our belt, the more experience we’re going to have.”
The Mareeba side has seen a change of guard this year, with former A Grade player Grant Hanlon stepping into the coaching role.
“Pre-season has been good. We’ve got a new coach this year, so a change of hand. He’s taking a bit of a different approach,” Falvo said.
“Over time, things change. I think this year will be another good season – another step towards being a better side.”
Falvo said he was “100%” happy to be captaining the Mareeba side again.
“I love this team and I love this club. It’s always been a childhood dream to be the captain here,” he said.
Mareeba will take on reigning premiers Norths Cairns Cricket Club in their first match this weekend.
“They were the premiers last year, so we’re looking to get off the tarmac with a good win against them. That’ll up our season a lot,” Falvo said.
“Especially down there (in Cairns), if we win against them we’ll know we’re among it this year, and if we go close we’ll know we’re close enough. So I think it’ll be a good match to start off with.”
Mareeba will take on Norths from 12.30pm at Griffiths Park on Saturday.
Atherton Cricket Club president Tony Potts said the A Grade team are also looking forward to getting back into action.
“We’re definitely looking forward to another season. The pre-season preparation’s been good, we’re right into it now,” Potts said.
“I’m pretty confident for the season. We do well every year, we just missed out in the semi’s last year. Wet weather played a big part in that.”
He was pleased to know the team is in good hands once again, with star player Tom Boorman taking on the role of captain-coach.
“He’ll do as he always does – a great job. He’s the best one we’ve had so far at this club, he keeps an eye on the juniors, and he helps out where he can whenever he can,” Potts said.
“Everyone, especially the kids and the young ones coming up trying to make A Grade, they all respect him.”
Atherton will face up against the second-place-finishing Mulgrave side in their first match of the season.
“We just need to focus on getting their guns out – like Matty Wilkins and Jake Roach, they’re the two you’ve got to watch,” Potts said.
“If we can put them under pressure, we’ll go alright. They’ve also got the Johnson boys – Rhys and Koby. So just looking to target them.”
Atherton will play Mulgrave from 3pm this Saturday at the Walker Road Sports Precinct, Edmonton.
