ST PATRICK’S batsman Luke Restall is the best player in Cricket Albury-Wodonga.
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At least that was the conclusion after Saturday night’s Charity Big Bash auction after the Patties’ star received the highest bid of $5000.
Restall was picked up by Wodonga Prestige late in the auction after coach Andrew Lade outbid The Insight Clinic’s Aaron West.
Tallangatta recruit James Weighell fetched $4000 on his debut in the competition and went to Ray White Albury along with Lavington skipper James Tonkin who made $3000.
North Albury’s David Farrell ($2400) and Tallangatta’s Nathan Thompson ($2250) rounded out the top five.
Lade said he was pleased with the final make-up of his side.
“Absolutely, I’m very happy,” Lade said.
“We wanted four specialist bats, three or four quicks and at least three spinners to cover all bases.
“There are ebbs and flows during the auction and it’s great to end up with Luke (Restall) in our side.
“He was one of the final players drawn so it got a bit tight.”
In another boost to the competition, South Wagga players Alex Jones and Joel Robinson nominated and were picked up by Wodonga Prestige and The Insight Clinic respectively.
Lavington’s Liam Scammell will captain Ray White Albury while St Patrick’s Trent Ball will lead Tradelink.
Almost 100 people attended the auction with North Albury’s Greg Daniel proving the bargain buy at $50 after being one of the final players to be drawn.
Organiser Gary Tonkin said the auction had been a huge success.
“It was a great start,” Tonkin said.
“The players got behind it and the teams all look good.”
Matches will be played from 5.45pm on November 30, December 7 and January 11 and 18.