Catches key in final for Iluka

THERE’S more to getting past Yamba than shutting down the Urquhart boys.That’s the opinion of Iluka skipper Greg Speirs.

FIRED UP: Iluka opener Matt Farrell scored 43 of his side’s total of 88 against Wanderers in the LCCA major semi-final at Barry Watts Oval last weekend. PHOTO: DEBRAH NOVAK

THERE'S more than shutting down the Urquhart boys to get past Yamba.

That's the opinion of Iluka skipper Greg Speirs ahead of today's Lower Clarence first grade preliminary final at Iluka Oval today.

Troy Urquhart has been in scintillating form, including scores of 107 and 83 not out in back-to-back knocks against Lawrence.

Yamba captain Laurie Urquhart joined his older brother in a devastating partnership which broke the back of Lawrence's season last week.

But that partnership was set up by openers Andrew Moloney and Matt Breakwell, who were unbeaten at the drinks break.

"We have to take our catches. Simple," Speirs said.

"The Urquhart boys are extremely important to get out, but we have to take 10 wickets.

"A couple of blokes like James Law-O'Keefe and Jason James are due for runs.

"But if they do get away from us we have to keep positive and toiling away. Even if Troy or Laurie are on 100 we're no chance of taking wickets if the heads are down.

"We did that last week against Wanderers and suddenly they collapsed."

In that game Iluka made just 88 with the bat, but refused to give in and incredibly finished with a tie. Wanderers progressed to the grand final as the competition's minor premiers.

Originally published as Catches key in final for Iluka