Players set to make their mark during Cricket North QLD finals in Townsville
Townsville’s top cricketers are keeping one eye on the weather as First Grade finals begin at Riverway Stadium on Saturday. Find out which players are in top form heading into the decider.
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Townsville’s top cricketers are keeping one eye on the weather as First Grade finals begin at Riverway Stadium on Saturday.
Norths are set to face Suburban Park in a sudden death semi-final with the winner progressing to Sunday’s grand final game one against minor premiers Wests.
The grand final will be played as a three-game series with two fixtures pencilled in for next weekend.
Suburban Parks all-rounder Gaurav Patel said his club entered the season with a clear goal to return to finals after finishing with the wooden spoon last summer.
“We started off the season with a purpose, and we were very motivated to do well as a team. We had the plans in place,” Patel said.
“We wanted to be in a position where we are in the hunt for the tournament, and we’re very happy and thrilled – with the help of our coaching staff, support staff, and the club – everyone’s been together in this journey so far and it’s very, very exciting to be in the position we are in today.”
If Saturday’s semi-final is washed out or no result can be reached, Sub Parks will progress to the decider as competition runners-up.
Patel said Suburban Parks’ deadly opening batsmen would be key to securing victory.
“We have our explosive opening pair of Daniel Gartrell and Heath O’Brien. We are banking on them to give us a good start,” Patel said.
“They’re followed by Christopher Perry and our captain Christopher Gartrell, with a solid middle order to follow.”
Whichever team wins on Saturday will have to face the might of a full-strength Wests after an outstanding season.
Wests all-rounder Lachlan Ford said the grand final line-up was shaping as the club’s strongest of the season – a scary thought when you consider they only lost two matches all summer.
“It’s probably our strongest side of the year. Throughout the year, we’ve obviously had people away and whatnot, but I think we’ve probably got our best 11 that have come back for the finals,” Ford said.
“The boys are raring and ready to go.”
Ford suggested veteran bowler Justin Dixon would be pivotal to the Magpies’ chances of success, while a number of players could provide the winning runs.
“He (Dixon) has been around the traps for a fair few years, so I wouldn’t be surprised if ‘Dicko’ turns up this weekend,” Ford said.
“In terms of batting, obviously you’ve got your Sam Lowrys and your T (Tony) Hampsons, but I’m really excited to see how Sean Curnow goes, especially on this wicket, as well as Beau McCarron.
“Young ‘B-Mac’ is a little 17-year-old who has been hitting them really well.”
Finals are scheduled to start at 10am on Saturday and Sunday at Riverway Stadium.
Originally published as Players set to make their mark during Cricket North QLD finals in Townsville
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