Kensington, Adelaide Uni Premier Cricket grand final preview and players to watch

Two of SA’s most decorated cricket clubs will lock horns in this weekend’s SACA Premier Cricket grand final. See our full preview and players to watch.

Two of South Australia’s biggest local cricket clubs are set to clash in an epic SACA Premier Cricket first grade grand final this weekend, with each looking to make amends for a trophyless 2022.

League leaders Kensington District will take on Adelaide Uni at Karen Rolton Oval this Saturday and Sunday after topping West Torrens and Port Adelaide respectively in last weekend’s semi-finals.

The Browns advanced through ladder placement after their match with the Eagles was rained out and drawn, while the Blacks – led by fast bowler Bailey Wightman – defeated the Magpies by an innings and 76 runs.

Kensington will aim to win its second premiership in two weeks after its women‘s side won last weekend, while Uni will vie for its first flag since the 2020-2021 season.

“It’s a great feeling to make it. I thought we could have performed a bit better with the bat against West Torrens but thankfully with the strong season we’ve had we were able to advance after the draw,” Kensington skipper Josh Doyle said.

Kensington Captain, Josh Doyle, (L), and Adelaide University Captain, Will Bosisto, at Adelaide Oval with the Premier Cricket shield ahead of this weekend’s grand final. 30 March 2023. Picture: Dean Martin

“We’ve had some tough matches against Adelaide Uni this season so I’m sure it’s going to be a battle but the opportunity we have is a really exciting one and we’re ready to go.”

The Browns have had a number of contributors this season including star bowlers Elliott Opie and Lloyd Pope, but it was Alex Ross who stood up with the bat over the weekend, making 70 runs at number five in the order.

Doyle said his side would need as many contributors as possible this weekend.

“I think that’s been the beauty of our season – different guys have been able to chip in at different times and help us to be successful,” he said.

“A premiership would be massive for us to cap off this season – we all want to be a part of this great club’s history and we’re confident we can get it done with a full team effort.”

Bosisto’s Blacks and Doyle’s Browns have both been cool, calm and collected heading in to the weekend’s two-day action. Picture: Dean Martin

Adelaide Uni captain Will Bosisto said his team had been playing with sky-high confidence since Christmas and would take momentum from its dominant win over Port Adelaide in to the weekend’s big dance.

“Our team, especially our bowling group, has been tremendous particularly this side of December – Wightman has been bowling really well and Nandan Yadav and Liam Greber always stand up as well,” Bosisto said.

“We’re not really discussing the fact we might be underdogs at the moment, we’re just excited by the occasion and really looking forward to it after last weekend’s display.”

The Blacks have played Kensington closely this season, recently drawing with the league leaders in round 12.

Bosisto said his team would garner confidence from that result.

“We match up really well with each other as two bowling-dominant sides but it was great for us to face them and especially Lloyd Pope a couple weeks ago and learn some things from that game.

“We’re certainly confident and there aren’t any guys putting themselves under pressure, it’s just about playing our game and hopefully at the end of it we’ve won another flag.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Josh Doyle

(Kensington)

Doyle in action for Kensington. Picture Dean Martin

Kensington’s captain has had a strong year with the bat and will be hoping he can produce a similar innings to his performance against Adelaide Uni in round 12.

Doyle scored 120 in a dominant display that round.

Lloyd Pope

(Kensington)

Kensington’s Lloyd Pope will be a major factor on the weekend. Picture: Brenton Edwards

Pope has been a standout for the Browns this season, the leg spinner taking 60 wickets through all competitions in 2022-2023.

If he can take some early scalps this weekend his side will have a major chance at taking out the silverware.

Bailey Wightman

(Adelaide University)

Bailey Wightman appeals for an LBW. Picture: Dean Martin

Wightman has taken 40 wickets as a medium pacer for Adelaide Uni this season and has picked up his level of performance at just the right time.

The Blacks bowler took five wickets in his side’s semi-final against Port Adelaide.

Sam Kerber

(Adelaide University)

Kerber has been a significant contributor at the crease for the Blacks. Picture: Dean Martin

Kerber’s performance with the bat has been as consistent as any in University’s order this season and a 52-run display at number four in the order played a major part in his team’s semi-final win.

If he and the Adelaide Uni openers can all make totals the Blacks may well cause an upset.