Chris Skilton: South Tamworth allrounder is committed to playing full season

In the first match of the season, after the opening two rounds were washed out, the South Tamworth allrounder went berserk against Old Boys in a one-dayer at No 1 Oval.

His 49-ball 83 batting at No 3 included six sixes and six fours, and was quite a statement for a veteran player who has recommitted himself to cricket after playing sparingly in recent years. Last season, he played only one game.

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"The kids are now eight and six, so they're old enough where I can bring them down and watch the cricket and hang out with me, if need be," he said.

"So I decided I'll play again and see how I go."

Skilton called time on his lengthy Thunderbolts career after the side's grand final loss in 2019. He still plays local basketball.

"I've always played lots of team sports, which is good. I need to do something to keep fit," he said.

In South Tamworth's second game of the season, Skilton opened the bowling against North Tamworth and took 4-28 off eight overs. Souths went down again - the loss compounded by Skilton injuring his hamstring.

He has not bowled since then as Souths secured back-to-back wins, against City United and then West Tamworth on Saturday - when he made 38, his second-highest score of the season.

"I hit a couple of good shots but was not at all patient, basically," he said of the innings.

Third-placed South Tamworth, Skilton added, could "absolutely" win the premiership this season.

"When we field our best teams, and we all put in the performances that we all potentially can, then, yeah, I think we are [legitimate title contenders]."

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