The Northern Territory team wrapped up their 2025 National Indigenous Cricket Championships campaign in Yuwibara Country, Mackay, with two tough outings against Queensland and Tasmania.
Day Four vs Queensland
It was a challenging match for the NT side, as they were comprehensively defeated by a strong Queensland outfit. Opener Steven Roser (Wuli Wuli) got the team off to a decent start with 10 runs, supported briefly by Daniel Fett (Jawoyn) with 6. However, three run-outs and four ducks saw the Territorians restricted to just 9/29.
With the ball, Djarrin Stuart (Arrernte) claimed the sole wicket, caught by Ben Stares (Dharug & Dharawal), but Queensland chased down the target within three overs.
Earlier in the day, the team participated in a cultural experience hosted by the Yuwi mob, including traditional dancing and spear throwing—an enriching moment for the players to connect with Country and culture.
Day Five vs Tasmania
In their final NICC match, the NT side elected to bowl first after winning the toss. Tasmania’s top order made the most of the opportunity, with Brayden DeVries (37) and Jack Pearce (23)* combining for a 61-run opening stand, helping Tasmania finish with a formidable 3/97 off 10 overs.
Returning from injury, off-spinner Brad Ilott (Arrernte) was the standout, claiming 3/9 from 2 overs in a sharp spell. Roser continued to impress behind the stumps with a stumping, while Stuart again contributed with a catch.
With the bat, Greg Louis (Arrernte) chipped in with 13 runs, and Shane Buttfield (Kamilaroi) top-scored with an unbeaten 19, his best performance of the tournament. However, tight bowling from Tasmania restricted the NT to 3/43.
Despite back-to-back losses, Head Coach Trent Keep reflected positively on the campaign:
“Despite the results, it was such a positive tournament from a NT perspective, highlighted by once again competing at the NICC level and providing Indigenous Territorians an opportunity to represent their mob”.
“We have discovered some exciting young players who we are really keen to continue to invest in, especially Tyler Kelly, Harrison Johnny and Lachlan Dunemann, who will be the future of Indigenous Cricket in the Territory”.
Click here for the full scorecards.