Cricket Far North: ‘Matchwinners on either side’: Mulgrave v Rovers grand final preview

Rovers and Mulgrave are ready to do battle in the 2023/24 Cricket Far North first grade grand final. Full preview >>>

Mulgrave teammates celebrate the catch of Andrew Phelps by Jake Roach in the Cricket Far North (CFN) T20 A Grade grand final match between Cairns Rovers and Mulgrave, held at Griffiths Park, Manunda. Picture: Brendan Radke

Get ready for an electrifying showdown as Rovers clash with Mulgrave in the eagerly awaited Cricket Far North first grade grand final this weekend. With identical 13-2 records, both teams reign supreme in the competition boasting a formidable blend of seasoned veterans and rising talents, expect a spectacle of top-tier batting prowess that promises to be a thriller.

Rovers coach Andrew Phelps has smashed 164 runs in his previous two performances and hit the second most runs in CFN first grade.

Phelps said Rover’s focus was on nailing the fundamentals.

“There’s matchwinners on either side,” Phelps said.

“There’s definitely players and match-ups we look out for and there’s specific areas we want to bowl to different batsman.

“We play with and against most of them each year so we know their games, it’s just about executing our plans and getting the basics right, otherwise they’re a side that can punish you early.”

The first-drop batsman said capitalising on big moments would decide the contest.

“We’ve got to take those half chances that we can manage during the season,” he said.

“We dropped Matthew Wilkins a couple times early in a previous game and he went on to make (his season high 71 runs from 69 balls).

“Taking our chances, holding on to momentum, winning those big moments like a run out or half chance or screamer of a catch.”

Marcus Berryman and Andrew Phelps batting for Rovers. Cricket Far North 2024. Credit: Gyan-Reece Rocha

Mulgrave left-arm tweaker William Robertson has been a part of the Toads since he was six-years old and has won a combined five CFN one-day and two-day premierships.

Robertson said Mulgrave had key focuses throughout their preparation.

“If we do the one-percenters, take the singles when they’re on offer, constantly rotate strike and turn singles into twos, it’ll put us in a great position,” he said.

“We all know our role, we want to try and play our game and get into the contest early.

“We know Rovers will come hard with the bat with their star-studded top order.

“If we can knock a few over early, we can get on top and bring the game back in our favour.”

Vicky Lefty of Mulgrave celebrates during the Mens A grade match. Picture Emily Barker.

Mulgrave pace bowler Blake Raper has had a problematic shoulder injury throughout the season and isn’t a certainty to play.

“Blake Raper could be a huge loss for us, but with the inclusion of Vicky Lefty, he’s been taking the new ball, slowing the pace and putting the batsmen back in their crease.” Robertson said.

Robertson said right-arm leg spinner Ryan McGrath could be a surprise card in the grand final.

“He matches up with the Rovers left-handed batsman, spinning the ball back into them,” he said.

“If he’s on, Ryan will be really difficult to put away on our Walker Road decks.”

Rovers batsman Bobby Brix in the Cricket Far North (CFN) T20 A Grade grand final match between Cairns Rovers and Mulgrave, held at Griffiths Park, Manunda. Picture: Brendan Radke

CFN president Dan Freebody said there are a number of stellar talents to look out for in the grand final.

“You’ve got Matt Wilkins coming off his Australian Country representative,” Freebody said.

“Jake Roach always seems to fire for the big games.

“Marcus Berryman’s experience (Victorian 2nd XI all-rounder) and how consistent he’s been all season.

“Henry King is a sharp bowler who could take a bag in the final.”

The CFN grand final will be 12.30pm, Saturday at Minniecon Gregory Oval, Walker Road Sporting Precinct.

Originally published as Cricket Far North: ‘Matchwinners on either side’: Mulgrave v Rovers grand final preview