Corowa's former NSW Country rep Ben Mitchell has boldly declared North Albury's mid-week recruit Matt Condon will be the association's best bat.
The ladder leaders landed the boom signing of the former ACT captain after he played alongside Tim and Anthony Hartshorn at Batemans Bay a decade ago.
The praise is enormous from Mitchell, who played both with and against Condon in Canberra, given New City's former Indian Premier League batsman Shoaib Shaikh is on league record-breaking pace with 638 runs at 71.
Unfortunately for the classy right-hander, he will miss the next two games through suspension for misconduct after throwing his bat once he was off the ground following a close run out decision.
"Shoaib Shaikh's definitely the best batsman I've seen so far," Mitchell said.
"Now if 'Condo' adjusts to the pace of the pitches, he will be better than Shoaib.
Now if 'Condo' adjusts to the pace of the pitches, he will be better than Shoaib .... he's had a few issues with his hip, if he hadn't had that, he would be playing first-class cricket.
- Ben Mitchell
"He's one of the most naturally talented batsmen I've seen in club cricket-(national) 2nd XI land.
"He's had a few issues with his hip, if he hadn't had that, he would be playing first-class cricket, for sure."
You have to feel for Belvoir, which hosts Condon's debut on Saturday.
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It's battling fiercely for a finals spot and just a fortnight ago, Shaikh hit one of the most remarkable centuries, posting an unbeaten 149 not out in 7-197.
Elsewhere, St Patrick's hosts Lavington, New City is home to Albury, while East Albury travels to Raiders.
