Four sides remain in contention for the fourth finals berth leading into the Greater Northern Cup’s last round.
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South Launceston, Westbury and Ulverstone have already secured spots in January’s semi-finals, but will play a key role in deciding the fourth finalist providing inclement weather holds off.
RIVERSIDE sits in seventh spot and needs to beat Westbury and rely on a host of other results to make finals.
The Blues fell agonisingly short of beating Sheffield last weekend but took heart from the form of youngster Jack Colgrave, who made a mature 26 and took 1-23 off six.
Skipper Tom Garwood said Ben and James Simpson would make way for Alex Saunders and Max Hunt.
“Our main aim is to get the four points to set us up going into Christmas,” Garwood said.
“Westbury is a really good side so it’s going to take a really good game from our young side to beat them, especially out there because they know how to play their conditions out there.
“We’re going into the week really positively, we’ve trained really well and we’ve got a few plans as well so hopefully we’re going to have a good game.”
Richard Howe’s Shamrocks were given a “reality check” by Devonport last round, allowing South Launceston to pinch top spot on the ladder.
But the form of keeper-batsman Dan Murfet, who scored 84 not out last week, could help the home side take the points from Riverside and secure a home final.
“Dan’s been batting really well,” Howe said.
“He got his chance up the order there and grabbed hold of it, so it was good to see him do that and good for us to have another bloke who can hit a big score.”
Corey Briggs and Dom Barrett are both unavailable, with Howe calling on star batsman Dane Anderson and 15-year-old debutant Kaleb Williams, brother of Jake, to fill the void.
“Kaleb’s been taking a few wickets in second grade and doing a really good job, so he’ll come in as another option with the ball.”
A win or a big spell of rain could be enough to see LAUNCESTON make finals.
Facing the might of South Launceston’s six-game winning streak, the Lions have loaded up at the selection table with captain Alistair Taylor, Tom Bennett and Lachie Newland among five inclusions for the do-or-die clash.
“We have to win if we want to play finals,” Taylor said.
“They’re the reigning premiers for a reason and they’ve got some really good depth - even with a few blokes out from last year’s finals campaign they’re a really quality side.
“Nathan Philip’s in some pretty handy form, Sean Harris is hitting the ball really well and Joshy Freestone’s doing a job - they’ve got a number of match-winners in their side so we’re really looking forward to the challenge of taking on those guys because at the moment they’re the best team in the competition.”
James Lee for Brodie Jarrad (uni graduation) is likely to be the only change to a Knights side which has outscored every other team despite having a cup-high two wash-outs to its name.
“We’ve scored a lot of runs this year but Harry’s stepped up one week, [Jeremy Jackson’s] had a few here and there, everyone’s chipped in so it all goes back to the big emphasis on our partnerships,” captain Tom Waller said.
“They’ve got a little bit on the line and I’m sure they’re going to come all guns blazing so we’ve got to be on our game.”
ROUND 11 FIXTURES
Saturday, 10.30am
- South Launceston v Launceston (NTCA No.2)
- Westbury v Riverside (Ingamells Oval)
- Mowbray - BYE
PLAYER PROFILE
- Name: Tom Bennett
- Club: Launceston Cricket Club
- Batting style: Right hand top-order batsman
- Bowling style: Right arm fast
- Top score: 147* v Westbury
- Best bowling figures: 5-17 v Sheffield 2016-17
- Career highlight to date: Two stumpings against Westbury, I’ve got a passion for keeping! Also my 147*
- Day job: I go to farms and count the animals
- Cricket headline you’d like to see this year: Bennett’s legs take opposition by surprise
- Opposition player you’d most like at your club: Probably Dane Anderson, so I can teach him how to hit bombs
- Funniest sledge you’ve heard on the cricket field: Bennett you’re a gun!
- Favourite international/ domestic cricketer: Peter George – we have a similar body type
- Nicest guy at your club: Probably myself, I’m a ripper!
- Hobbies outside cricket: Pumping my guns in the gym and kicking the pig skin around
- Favourite cafe/restaurant in Launceston: Bakers Lane because they make a great espresso
- Cooking speciality: Putting my teammates on the barbie
- Biggest influence on your career to date and why: Rowan Smith because of his ability to whistle up a cloud!