'Big three' out, but Gold skipper says they'll beat Snakes

'We've got the team to do it. I think Caboolture are a bit nervous to play us, we're the kind of side to beat them.'

DANGER MAN: Acting Gympie Gold captain Steve Brady looms as a key piece in his side's chances of a finals win over Caboolture this weekend. Picture: Warren Lynam

CRICKET: In form Gympie Gold XI acting skipper Steve Brady says his young side must stand tall in its cut-throat semi-final clash with Caboolture this weekend.

The Gold scraped home against fellow finalists Tewantin-Noosa by a 10-run first innings margin last weekend, securing a finals berth after Maroochydore's batting order collapsed in their loss to the Snakes.

Facing the eliminator without their "big three” in Lewis Waugh, Josh Brady and Ashley Sippel, the elder Brady said he was confident the Gold's young stars would pick up the slack.

Maroochydore Blue against Gympie cricket grand final.Gympie batsman Steve Brady hits the winning runs.Photo: Warren Lynam / Sunshine Coast Daily. Picture: Warren Lynam

READ MORE: Gold squeeze into semi-finals with last round thriller

"It's always a tough challenge, especially down at Caboolture.

"I don't mind playing down there though, they've got the best field on the coast.

"We have to be smart when we're batting.

"The field is fast, so we need to beat the infield, keep the ball along the ground and play smart, no silly shots.

"We've got the team to do it. I think Caboolture are a bit nervous to play us, we're the kind of side to beat them.”

Cricket - A Grade Valleys vs Wests - Andre Cave Wests. Picture: Leeroy Todd

Gympie Gold XI Brycen Mitchell. Picture: Troy Jegers

Brady tipped key bowling trio Brycen Mitchell, Andre Cave and leg spinner Jackson White to lead the team's finals charge, and welcomed the addition of Gympie cricket legend Troy Ashton to the fold for the all-important final.

Brady, who has found late season form at the top of the batting order with two centuries in his last two matches, said he was seeing the ball well out in the middle.

"It's a good time of year to do it, finals.

"I'm seeing them very well, they're coming off the middle of the bat nicely,” he said.

The Gold play the Snakes at Caboolture's Number One oval this Saturday and Sunday.

Originally published as 'Big three' out, but Gold skipper says they'll beat Snakes