Friends to foes as Hurricanes, Sixers seek BBL promised land
The BBL qualifier — pitching Tasmanian teammates Riley Meredith and Jordan Silk on opposite sides — will be played in front of a sell out crowd as they vie to host the BBL14 grand final.
Tasmania
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A sea of purple will spur on the Hobart Hurricanes against the Sydney Sixers on Tuesday night.
The Tasmanian BBL club has announced the Qualifer is a sell out with the competition’s largest ever finals crowd in Hobart set to turn out at Ninja Stadium.
More than 15,000 fans are set for the clash that will determine the hosting rights for the season’s grand final on Monday, January 27.
Fans have been encouraged to arrive early with gates opening at 6pm and the first ball to be bowled at 7.30pm.
The club also announced on Tuesday that Jake Doran will return to the squad after he missed out against the Stars in the Hurricanes’ last outing. Marcus Bean has been omitted from the list.
Devoted Tasmanian Tigers teammates turned T20 foes.
Riley Meredith and Jordan Silk will put state loyalties aside at Ninja Stadium on Tuesday night as the top-finishing Hobart Hurricanes battle the Sydney Sixers for the right to host the final of BBL14.
Despite being the Tigers’ skipper during the Sheffield Shield and domestic one-day season, Silk has no qualms about hoping to break Hobart hearts in the Qualifier final, after losing to Hurricanes at the same venue on New Year’s Day.
“Unfortunately, we couldn’t get over the line here during the regular season, but we come here with an opportunity to host a grand final back at the SCG next Monday,” Silk said.
“So that’s a huge carrot that’s been dangled in front of us, and we’re hopeful we can get the job done.
“The team is feeling good, and although we have lost a few guys who are going to Sri Lanka, it’s an opportunity for others to back into our 11 and put their best foot forward.”
Meredith reported the Hurricanes outfit to be buzzing in anticipation of a home final, which the side earned after finishing the 10-match regular season on top of the table.
The right-arm quick said while the Hurricanes were not take anything for granted against the experienced Sixers team, the side’s Tassie contingent was definitely looking forward to crossing paths with Silk out in the middle.
“It’s the first home final for a lot of the guys, so it’s very exciting and we come into the match with nothing to lose,” Meredith said.
“Obviously, Jordan is very close with a lot of people in our team, and there’s been some good banter over the last couple of weeks.
“But as soon as we go into the ground, that will all be forgotten, and we will be gunning for him pretty hard.”
Youngsters joining ‘Cane train
Some of the Hurricanes’ youngest fans will be joining the thousands predicted to flood Ninja Stadium, just as they have always done for the team’s home games.
Siblings Bethany, 12, Toby, 10, and Georgia Scharvi, 14, alongside dad Clynton and mum Melissa have been long-time devoted fans of the ‘Canes and can feel the excitement building to secure a spot in the BBL grand final.
Each of the siblings has a small collection of Hurricanes gear and signed goodies, with Toby even grabbing a game ball – his first for this year.
“I like seeing Mac Wright and I used to cheer for him a lot and then one day he gave me his top,” Georgia said.
“Then at another game later on he gave me another one.”
Dad Clynton said the kids are so involved with the game and keeping score of their favourite players, that they have become a part of the community at the stadium.
“My friend, Georgia and I, we made a chant for Mitch Owen and when he fielded near us, we sang it and he liked it,” Bethany said.
“After the game, he came over and gave us signed tops.”
It’s definitely a family affair cheering at the matches, with the Scharvis sure to kick it into overdrive for such an important match.
“We’re really, really excited, given we finished on top spot,” Mr Scharvi said.
“We’re guaranteed at least one more game, be it a grand final later in the week, or another final.
“The boys are playing really, really well, so we’re hopeful and optimistic they’ll get the job done, but we’re excited for another good game.”
Originally published as Friends to foes as Hurricanes, Sixers seek BBL promised land
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