CRICKET North’s top two sides will fight it out at NTCA No.2 Ground starting on Saturday in a vital two-day match for both clubs.
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South Launceston are coming off a 115-run first innings victory over Riverside, while Westbury’s batting did not stand up against Launceston last week.
Just 7.21 points separate the pair on the first grade table and Knights captain Alex Smith said this was their chance to leapfrog the Shamrocks.
“Our consistency has been our biggest issue so hopefully we can make it consecutive wins and carry the momentum on,” Smith said.
“John Hayes (opening batsman) is unavailable sick and Jared Dakin is a chance to come in.
“Jeremy Jackson is only available for one week as well so James Beattie may replace him.”
Smith said the key would be winning the game’s big moments and trying to reduce the influence of Westbury’s marquee players.
Shamrocks skipper Michael Lukic said Sean Stevenson and Matthew Battle were in the mix for selection.
“There is a pretty good rivalry between us and them, they are a very good side and we always look forward to the challenge,” Lukic said.
“After being comfortably beaten it’s fair to say we are ready and looking to bounce back.
“It is a good match to test our resilience. Last week was a game we needed to have.”
Lukic said Westbury would need to pressure South Launceston’s bowlers and batsmen.
LAUNCESTON and Mowbray will be fighting to move their way off the bottom of the ladder at NTCA No. 1 Ground.
Last week was a game we needed to have.
- Westbury captain Michael Lukic
The fourth-placed Eagles are fresh after the bye and captain John LeFevre has earmarked the match vital to the reigning champions’ back-to-back aspirations.
“Launceston have become a really well balanced team over the past few years and we will be treating them with respect,” he said.
“Jerome Illingworth is unavailable week one and hopefully we will have young left-arm quick Louis Burr, from Scottsdale way, making his first grade debut.”
The Lions on the other hand recorded their second first innings result against Westbury with captain Rowan Smith hungry for more.
Launceston will be without leg-spinner James Curran and opening bowler Dom Rawlings, who took 5-54 last week, due to school commitments.
“The competition in the past few rounds has shown that any team can win on their day,” Smith said.
“Getting a consistent bowling performance right the way through the innings will be the key.
“In that one-day game Rohan Pooley held them together… so we have just got to maintain pressure on them.
“With the bat we need to get partnerships going.”
LADDER
Pos team W-D-L Pts
- 1 – Westbury 8-1-2 45.78
- 2 – South 6-2-3-38.57
- 3 – Riverside 4-2-5-26.67
- 4 – Mowbray 4-1-5-22
- 5 – Launceston 2-1-8-16.96