Waratah-Mayfield (WMDCC) will unleash a new-look side when the Newcastle District Cricket Association (NDCA) kicks off its 2021/22 season this weekend.

Following a tough couple of years in the top competition, the club is pinning its hopes on a batch of talented newcomers to lead the organisation into the play-offs.

In fact, the First XI squad appears to be one of the strongest in recent memory with the likes of Nikethan Radhakrishnan, Josh Claridge, Omer Farooq, Byron Jensen, Kayne Bradley, Harrison Nemme and Asher Robins joining the fold.

“We’ve gone pretty hard on the recruitment front this season,” captain Alex Taylor said.

“I guess, we have also been fortunate enough to add a stack of talent across all our grades, from women’s to masters, social to juniors.

“That augurs well for a successful year.

“While Asher [Robins] returns to the club, we’ve picked up Josh [Claridge] from Gordon and Nike [Radhakrishnan], who is studying at the University of Newcastle, for 2021/22.

“We have also snared Omer [Farooq] from Wallsend, along with Byron [Jensen], Kayne [Bradley] and Harrison [Nemme], which is a massive boost.

“The big thing we’re keen on is a lot of these guys have played a good amount of [higher level] cricket as well as rep matches at some stage.

“With Josh and Nike coming from Sydney, their experience will be invaluable.

“Then to secure Harrison and Omer, with their bowling prowess, is fantastic as well.

“It’s pretty exciting times ahead for WMDCC.

“We’re really looking forward to the start of the season.”

Waratah-Mayfield will open its NDCA account against Merewether in TLC Pool 2 at Townson Oval on Saturday 6 November.

And, Taylor admits everyone is chomping at the bit.

“Last year was my first here, coming up from Canberra,” he said.

“But, from what I understand, we have endured a lot of ups and downs the past few seasons.

“We’ve been a young side.

“Now, we’re starting to get to that stage where a lot of juniors coming through have played a fair bit of second grade with a bit of firsts, too.

“So, we need to forget the past – and not dwell on it.

“We’re really getting into this year.

“We have numerous new players, new guidance from the club and some really good direction from the committee.

“It all bodes well for WMDCC.”

The organisation also has plenty to work with, according to Taylor.

Waratah-Mayfield’s undefeated fourths snared the minor/major premiership in 2020/21 and the seconds claimed a one-day final victory as well as a sub-district competition victory.

Then throw in appearances in the T20 Summer Bash and women’s deciders, not to mention third in the club championships – and there’s plenty of positives on the horizon.

“Everyone wants to sit there and say we won trophies,” he said.

“And, we’re no different.

“We definitely want to be playing finals in any form of the game.

“From my perspective, that’s the benchmark I set.

“Likewise, the rest of the team – all of the boys have pretty high standards.

“We don’t want to go out on the field and just have a trundle.

“We’re determined to give it everything we’ve got.”

Newcastle District Cricket Association

Round one (Saturday 6 November):

TLC Pool 1

• Noon: Wallsend DCC v Wests CC (George Farley Oval)
• Noon: Stockton & Northern Districts DCC v Toronto Workers (Lynn Oval)
• Noon: University CC v Newcastle City (Bernie Curran Oval – Uni #1)

TLC Pool 2

• Noon: Charlestown DCC v Belmont DCC (Kahibah Oval)
• Noon: Merewether DCC v Waratah-Mayfield DCC (Townson Oval)
• Noon: Cardiff-Boolaroo DCC v Hamilton-Wickham DCC (Pasterfield Sports Complex)

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.