Wests and Laidley to clash in winner-takes-all Harding-Madsen Shield encounter

A thrilling Harding-Madsen Shield season is set for a fitting finale as Western Districts host Laidley in final round action on Saturday.

Brian May. Photo: Nev Madsen

CRICKET: It all comes down to this.

A thrilling Harding-Madsen Shield season is set for a fitting finale as Western Districts host Laidley in final round action on Saturday.

With just one point separating the two sides, their clash at Heritage Oval has effectively turned into a grand final, a situation the Toowoomba side is familiar with.

Since the inception of the intern-district competition, Wests have had the most success with three titles, and are calling on their big-game players to make it four.

“It’s funny how the competition has worked out with what is effectively a grand final,” captain Luke Neale said.

“We’re glad it’s worked out that way to face the most challenging team last and it will be a good opportunity to see where we’re at.

“We’ve been gradually improving.”

Boasting the best record in the competition with nine wins from as many completed games, Wests have set the benchmark along with Laidley to open up a 19-point gap between them and third-placed Northern Brothers Diggers.

“They’re a team that has a good winning culture,” Neale said.

“They have players that can step up, and two or three key batsmen that can hold their innings together, as well as a well-rounded bowling attack. They’ll be tough.”

Neale praised the way his side has been able to continually improve as the season has wore on, including the form of veteran batsman Brian May.

Batting at first drop, May has been dismissed just once I his nine innings, giving him an average of 497, with Wests losing just 22 wickets throughout the season.

“All year our batting has been improving and it’s been pretty flawless,” he said.

“We haven’t lost too many wickets which has been setting up our games.

“Brian’s on another level. No matter the circumstance, you’re going to have to be good to get him out. It gives you that bit of freedom knowing he can lockdown one end, and its reassuring having him at three.”

Wests will come into their final round clash with a full-strength 11, including the likes of rep weapons Cameron Brimblecombe, Chris Gillam and Shaun McCarthy.

Laidley boasts an impressive squad of its own, including the likes of DDBBL stars Alex Welsh, Chris Wilson, Michael Sippel and Shanley Neundorf.

FIXTURES

Western Districts vs Laidley at Heritage Oval; Highfields-Railways vs Brothers at Highfields Sports Park; Metropolitan-Easts vs Southern Districts at Harristown Park; Central Districts vs Northern Brothers Diggers at Limestone Park; South East vs University at Bruce Raleigh Oval. Games at 10.30am on Saturday.

Originally published as Wests and Laidley to clash in winner-takes-all Harding-Madsen Shield encounter