Do or die time for duo
Two teams with little fault to their game are set to meet in this year's Stanthorpe cricket grand final.
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TWO teams with little fault to their game are set to meet in this year's Stanthorpe cricket grand final.
Valleys have the most lethal bowlers, with RSL having some of the competition's most sturdy and reliable batsmen.
RSL are aiming for three titles on the trot and have led the competition for much of the season.
Valleys finished third and overcame Souths in last weekend's tight semi-final.
Both grand-final captains say it helps they know each other's sides so well.
"We know each team's strengths and weaknesses. That's the benefit of playing the same guys all the time,” RSL captain Jason Lawer said.
Souths are the last team in recent history to win three in a row, with Lawer confident his side can replicate that.
"We know when you play Valleys they've probably got the best team of bowlers in the comp, so your batters have got to stand up a bit,” Lawer said.
"It'd mean a lot for us. We haven't done it before (three in a row). We'll be pretty geed up for it. I know we've got the batters there to do it. We're still pretty confident.”
Valleys captain Damian Anderson said they were fully aware of what the RSL side brings to the table.
"You know what players to look out for. They've got four or five batters that could score 50 or 100. They're that sort of team.
"About time they lost one. In the end I think it'll be very close, low scoring,” Anderson said.
Both sides are hopeful of a hard wicket, but with potential for rain are expecting a fair amount of moisture on the pitch.
It'll be an emotional day for some Valleys players, who'll no doubt have a lost mate on their minds.
"It's a special year for a few players this year because we lost an ex-player (Leon Karena) last year, so there's a little bit of emotion wanting to win it for certain people,” Anderson said.
Play gets under way from 12.30pm at C.F. White Oval.
Player Profiles:
RSL:
Jason Lawer (c) - (144/18)
CAPTAIN and top order bat who hasn't been in his best form this year, but is proven by being player of the grand final last year he knows when to turn in a good performance. Also the team's wicket keeper who took the most catches this year. Definitely a player for Valleys to be aware of.
Tom Garland - (166/17, 22/12)
OPENING bowler who is one of the top wicket takers this year. An explosive batsman who can bat anywhere in the order and take the game away from the opposition if given the chance.
Sam Dowie - (89/19)
ONE of the most talented cricketers ever seen in Stanthorpe and will be looking to score some runs. Handy medium pacer who can take valuable wickets. One of the safest hands anywhere on the field, particularly in slips. Limiting Sam's impact in the final will be a goal for Valleys.
Luke Brady - (244/41, 9/16)
ONE of the old boys of the team. Experienced campaigner and will be chomping at the bit with both bat and ball. In a team full of quality batsmen, has been RSL's best batsmen this year. Has the ability to absorb pressure like no other batter in the team.
Will Dowie - (130/19)
VICE captain and a great all rounder with no weaknesses to his game. Can score handy runs or take vital wickets. One of the team's best talkers on the field who won't let Valleys have any peace.
Duane Lihou - (171/17, 8/5)
THE oldest player of the team who has the biggest heart and can score valuable runs and still ploughs through great bowling spells.
Anthony DiBella - (90/9, 18/17)
HAS been in good form with the ball and can also hit the ball out of the park. He is definitely one player the opposition can't underestimate or the outcome won't be good.
Neil Perrit - (112/16, 7/14)
YOUNG player who has loads of talent. Left hand bat who has been in good form and has continued to improve throughout the year. Made his first senior 50 the last time these two teams meet.
Dylan Lihou - (2/1, 7/23)
YOUNG bowler who can take some valuable wickets and has been in good form. Would love another grand final win with his Dad.
Dave Becker - (64/11)
GREAT gully fielder who can handle the bat, scoring some handy runs when needed. Can bowl quality medium pacers as well.
Josh Wren - (53/11, 23/10)
OPENING bowler who has had a breakout year taking 23 wickets and playing rep cricket. He will be looking for key wickets early to put Valleys on the back foot. Has claimed five wickets three times in a match this year.
Chris Duff
LOWER order bat who can score some handy runs. Has got speed in the field and is a great team player.
Nick Lawer
ONE of the up and coming young players. Taken a few wickets with his swing bowling and is a solid bat who loves his cricket. He would also love to win a grand final with his captain and Dad.
Glen Webb
LOWER order bat who is a great team player and very solid in the field.
Noah Mackenzie - (24/8)
ANOTHER young player who has plenty of talent with both the bat and ball. Energetic fielder with speed to burn. Definitely a player of the future.
*(runs/avg, wickets/avg)
VALLEYS:
Damian Anderson (c) - (397/40, 27/8)
CAPTAIN of the team who leads by his actions rather than his voice. Leading wicket taker in the association, one that RSL will have to keep out if they are to win. Aggressive batsman who likes to hit boundaries and always scores faster than a run a ball.
Curtis Allen - (529/53, 6/16)
HAVING his best season by far with the bat, averaging 53 and piling on over 500 runs at a high strike rate. He guided the team to victory in the semi-final with his 7th 50 for the season. Absolutely dynamite in the field and capable of turning a match.
Dave Marino - (93/8)
ALWAYS does what's best for the team and getting better every year. He will open the batting with Curtis in the GF. Safe all over the field and can bowl some handy left armers if needed.
Cameron Crestani - (410/46, 9/21)
FIRST year with Valleys and has become a vital part of the batting line up with the highest score of the season, 206 not out. Very good change bowler who always take wickets. May miss the GF due to Brisbane soccer commitments. Along with Curtis, arguably the best fieldsman in the competition.
Anthony Marino - (173/22, 15/11)
VICE-captain and the heart and soul of Valleys. The only player to play in both Valleys GF wins. Is capable of scoring handy runs or taking crucial wickets when needed. As safe as a house in the field and will be making sure all the boys stay focused.
Josh Crestani - (94/13)
FIRST season of senior cricket and the team's wicket keeper. Extremely safe and agile behind the stumps, taking 17 catches for the season. Reliable batsman who can hold up an end or attack if needed.
John Featherstone - (17/3)
FIRST season with Valleys since leaving Wanderers. Agile in the field and never stops running. One of the most vocal players in the team who loves a chat. His effort in the field has earned his new team mates' respect.
Steve Martin - (53/9, 20/9)
STRIKE bowler capable of taking the game away from the opposition. Just coming into form with the ball at the right time of the season taking competition best figures of 7 for 7.
Kris Fox - (26/3)
FIRST full season of cricket in years. While the runs haven't come this year his hands have been extremely safe in second slip taking seven catches in 11 games.
Anthony Coup - (83/8, 5/26)
OLDEST player in the team who has spent some time opening the batting when needed. Can bowl some crafty leg spinners if the conditions are suitable.
Sandro Stefanon - (18/6, 18/17)
A GREAT team man for Valleys. Picked up 17 wickets this year, but none more vital than the four he took in the semi-final to all but ensure Valleys would take the win over Souths.
Brian Carmichael
ONLY played a handful of matches so far but already has shown that he has safe hands in the field and is willing to put his body on the line for the team.
Dan Coup - (11/3, 17/14)
OUT injured for the GF due to a work accident, but his left arm medium pace has added variety to the already strong Valleys bowling line up.
*(runs/avg, wickets/avg)
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