Messenger Bowl Twenty20 school cricket season preview for First XI campaign
School cricket is back with 10 schools ready to battle for the First XI Messenger Bowl Twenty20 title. See how each team is shaping up ahead of round one.
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School captains say Pembroke is still the team to beat in this year’s Messenger Bowl Twenty20 season following its history-making grand final victory last season.
Pembroke claimed its first trophy in the short format when it held out Adelaide High School in the title decider in December.
The Kensington-Park based school earned a grand final berth in 2019 after finishing top of the group two, division one competition.
Adelaide High ended its 2019 campaign first on the group one, division one competition.
The new season starts today with the reigning premier taking on Rostrevor.
Although Pembroke is heading into the 2020 campaign as favourites, captain Josh Sims says players cannot underestimate other schools.
“We are really excited to test ourselves again and hopefully go back-to-back,” Sims said.
“Last year was pretty surreal for all of us, we aren’t used to that success but we really loved the moment and we want that to be the new norm for us.
“But it is going to take a lot of hard work and we can’t get to ahead of ourselves.”
Adelaide High skipper Tejas Gill said his team wanted to avenge its 2019 final loss.
“It was obviously disappointing to lose last year but we are very keen to win the final this year,” the Year 10 student said.
“We’ve got a very young team and I am looking forward to getting out there and playing.
“I think Pembroke (will be strong) again and it should be a good contest when we play them.”
Immanuel ended last season second on the group one ladder and this year’s co-captain Nick Taylor was looking forward to leading the school into 2020.
The rising star said Immanuel would be looking to improve its batting and believed “the usual big four” would be the teams to beat.
“It’s a pretty big honour to led the team,” Taylor said.
“We’ve had a few net sessions and everyone is looking good.
“PAC, St Peter’s, Rostrevor and Sacred Heart are going to be tough.”
Sam Rahaley, who was coming off a campaign with the college’s first XVIII football team, was excited to return to the sport he loved most.
“I’m looking forward to making the most of the opportunities I’ve got,” Rahaley, a Year 12, said.
“I’m just going to try and enjoy my last moments playing for Rostrevor.
“I think PAC, Saints and Pembroke are going to be the teams to beat this year.”
Westminster skipper Seb Young said his side’s strengths were in its batting line-up and players were ready for solid season.
Young tipped Pembroke, PAC and Rostrevor to be the tough sides to come up against.
“We’ve prepared pretty well, we’ve got a pretty decent batting line up and a few decent bowlers,” Young said.
“Hopefully we give most teams a good run for their money.
“It’s going to take a lot of team work.
“We’ve had the same team now for a year and a bit and we’ve become quite a tight group.
“Hopefully we can come together this year and get a few wins on the way.”
“Pembroke will definitely be a big challenge, Rostrevor and PAC will probably be up there as well.”
ROUND ONE — Friday, October 16
■ St Michael’s v Adelaide High at St Michael’s
■ Immanuel v Westminster at Immanuel
■ Scotch v Sacred Heart at Scotch
■ Prince Alfred v St Peters at PAC
■ Pembroke v Rostrevor at Pembroke