Kingsgrove Sports T20 Cup: Young guns, state stars on show, North Sydney Oval
The big names return as four teams head to North Sydney Oval on Sunday where one will be crowned Sydney’s T20 king. Hear from each side in our ultimate finals preview, plus players to watch.
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Four teams remain in the race to become Sydney T20 champion at North Sydney Oval on Sunday.
Reigning champions Randwick Petersham failed to progress after the preliminary rounds, opening the door for a newcomer to climb the podium.
As part of our preview, we’ve reached out to all four teams ahead of the opening semi final on Sunday morning.
BANKSTOWN
T20 recruit Will Bosisto blasted a pair of 80s to help launch Bankstown into the opening semi final against St George.
In a side consistent with bat and ball, the return of skipper and former NSW batsman Dan Solway strengthens an already strong top order.
“St George are a pretty good side, they have quite a few experienced players,” Solway said at Thursday’s trophy launch.
“We’ve been doing a great job of playing some consistent cricket throughout the year. It’s always a hard fought game, we’ve met them a couple of times already this year, and gained confidence with our victory in the early rounds of the T20 series.”
Captain: Dan Solway
Last T20 meeting, R5: St George 10/100,18.5 overs (Vane-Tempest 34, Marshall 4/14, Simpson 4/20) lost to Bankstown 4/101, 14.1 overs (Bosisto 34, Stapleton 2/15, MacMillan 2/17)
Players to watch:
Arriving with a couple of first class centuries under his belt, Bosisto has been on fire since joining Bankstown. Striking at better than 150 runs per 100 balls, the right-hander has been merciless and leads the competition with 292 runs at 48.7
“Will has been a great addition to the side,” said Solway.
“Not just his batting, but also around the group, he brings a wealth of experience and is in really good form. He has an array of shots, and we are looking forward to him hopefully continuing it again this weekend before he heads back to Western Australia.”
Ahmed Zeeshaan is another to keep an eye on. Ultra consistent, the right hander only has one score below 31 in six innings.
“Ahmed is a local junior who has risen through the ranks,” said Solway. “He’s been playing first grade for a while now and is hitting the ball really well.”
With the ball, right-arm quicks Brad Simpson and Liam Marshall have dominated with 12 wickets each.
“Brad and Liam have been heading out attack for a long time and continue to do their thing,” Solway said. “Both have represented Australia under 19s, and have been doing an amazing job.”
ST GEORGE
After keeping their season alive following two early losses, a revitalised Saints flexed their muscles with back-to-back finals victories last weekend against Penrith and Campbelltown Camden.
Headlined by the thumping exploits of Kurtis Patterson and Blake Nikitaras, the reigning Belvidere Cup champions will be desperate to add another trophy to the cabinet.
According to rising English recruit Ollie Rayner, the side is beginning to peak at the right time.
“Bankstown got one over us, they bowled really but we got them back in a 50 over contest,” said the off-spinning all-rounder.
“We started off a bit flat in the field, but as we’ve built into the season the energy has lifted and everyone is really enjoying it.
“There’s such a wealth of experience, especially KP, I just like feeding off him, learning as much as I can.”
Captain: Nicholas Stapleton
Players to watch:
A regular at the top of the Blues order last summer, Nikitaras has been consistent in firing Saints out of the blocks. The left-hander has already accumulated 262 at 87.3, and his opening partnerships with Patterson have been a feature.
Set 147 by Penrith, the duo flew it alone, cruising to a 10 wicket victory in 14 overs.
“They’re both in pretty good nick,” said Rayner. “I’m looking forward to seeing them on a small ground at North Sydney.”
Nicholas Stapleton has the most wickets for St George, the skipper’s 10 wickets include a crucial 4/15 from four tidy overs against Penrith.
“The seamers have all been bowling consistent line and lengths,” said Rayner. “Unfortunately Connor O’Riordan is out, but we’ve got bowlers like Peter Francis who has lots of different skills.”
NORTHERN DISTRICT
Northern District has left no stone unturned as they prepare to extend a perfect five-game winning streak. Following his unbeaten 107 from just 57 balls against Easts, Lachlan Shaw explained the side has added strength.
“The team is shaping up really well, we’ve got Chris Green in this week,” said the 21-year-old, before adding the Thunder star will be joined by a Leicestershire all-rounder.
“Ben Mike is our overseas player, he bats and bowls good pace, so overall it’s a pretty good line-up.”
Captain: Scott Rodgie
Players to watch:
Joining Shaw among the runs is former Aussie U19s teammate Corey Miller. In the round three clash with St George, the leftie hammered 77 at Hurstville including five sixes from 36 balls.
“Corey has been going really well, he had a good pre-season,” said Shaw. “He went to India for a few weeks, and he’s come out and been absolutely whacking them.”
Green shares the spin duties with Toby Gray, while there’s an array of pace options.
“Captain Scott Rodgie is playing and Nikhil Chaudhary also bowls spin. We’ve got plenty of quicks, so it’s a good all-round team.
FAIRFIELD-LIVERPOOL
Fairfield-Liverpool return to the semi-finals after last week’s upset victory over a formidable Parramatta outfit, proving the Lions are well placed to take the next step.
Under immense pressure, wicketkeeper Coby Holland typified the side’s spirit. Alongside skipper Luke Ohrynowsky, the gloveman’s unbeaten 27 off 14 secured the win with one ball to spare.
“Parra are obviously a good side, so it was a really good win especially in front of their home fans,” said Holland.
“We had two close games against them and Wests last week, so we bring a lot of confidence into Sunday.”
Captain: Luke Ohrynowsky
Players to watch:
With fireworks imperative at the top of the order, Yuvraj Sharma and Nick Carruthers more than hold their own in elite company.
The right-handed Sharma has 216 runs against his name, and against Easts, showed what all the fuss is about with a blistering 64 off 34. Not to be outdone, the left-handed Carruthers was brutal in demolishing Mosman with 88 off 34 deliveries.
“In almost every game those two have got us away to flyers,” said Holland. “Then there’s Arjun Nair, he brings firepower to the top of the order and compliments it with his bowling – lots of players struggle when they face him.”
While Nair’s time at the Thunder isn’t to be underestimated, Holland also highlighted other Lions to impress with the ball.
“Yuva Nishchay is a big one for us. He opens the bowling and has taken quite a few wickets with his pace and swing,” said Holland, before shining more light on another spinner.
“Luke Hodges bowls very tight and brings a lot of experience to the group.”
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