REDEMPTION will be the buzz word for a Nyah District outfit intent on going one better than last season when they hit the pitch tomorrow afternoon.
The Demons suffered a heartbreaking seven-run loss to Woorinen in last year’s grand final, but with another 12 months of cricket under the young squad’s belt, are now better placed to secure their club’s 13th A Grade premiership.
The fact they have made it this far has surprised many, with most cricket lovers expecting the Demons to slide after the loss of captain and key player Joel Walsh in the off-season. His departure has seemingly had the opposite effect, with a number of young players stepping up in his absence to drive the club to yet another grand final appearance, according to their captain, Ben Shadbolt.
“We’ve had a number of young blokes really step up this year, which has been pleasing,” Shadbolt said.
“Kids like Charlie (Boulton), who’s opened the batting and bowled first change all year and has had a really good year with both.”
“Then there’s Drew Lloyd, who turned to bowling left arm seam up this season – he’s been a revelation for us with both bat and ball and Cooper Andrews has been something else these last two weeks with the ball as well.”
“These young guys have really stepped up and been a major factor in getting us to this point of the season.”
Boulton’s solid season with both bat and ball was confirmed on Wednesday night, when he finished runner-up in the SHDCA’s A Grade Best & Fairest award. Opening the batting for most of the season, Boulton compiled 180 runs with a highest score of 62 – while also contributing 17 wickets with the ball.
Not to be outdone, another all-rounder in Drew Lloyd has also had a stellar season, with Shadbolt hoping Lloyd can continue his recent good form tomorrow.
“Drew (Lloyd) is one of the keys for us – he’s been in some really good touch with both bat and ball lately and we just need him to keep doing what he’s been doing for another week,” Shadbolt said.
“He’s just hitting the right spot with the ball and is moving it around and he’s been consistent with the bat in the middle order – he’s holding up his end and hanging around with the blokes he needs to hang around with.
“If he plays to his ability and his potential, he’ll help put us into a very good position I would say.”
While Shadbolt was quick to lay praise with his young all-rounders, the skipper himself has led the way this season, taking 27 wickets at an average of 8.52 heading into tomorrow’s match.
The Demons have a strong middle order, led by Justin Toomey (211 runs at 26.38), Dean Harrop (145 runs at 29.00) and Ash Thompson (100 runs at 20.00) and it’s this element of their game where they will be hoping to have an edge. It would be expected that 160 would be par on the batting paradise that is the Swan Hill Recreation Reserve – and with the Demons deep batting, they would be hoping to go a little higher if given the opportunity to bat first.
“I was asked the same question before the Kookaburra Cup Grand Final earlier this year and I said our strength was with the ball, but as we’ve gone into red ball cricket, I think our batting has strengthened a bit,” Shadbolt said.
“Our blokes have adapted to red ball cricket really well – we’ve got some top-quality bowlers there with our young bowling line-up and if we can restrict them with the bat then that will be great, but we still need to put the runs on the board ourselves.”
NYAH DISTRICT GRAND FINAL SQUAD
Charlie Boulton – left-hand batsman/right-arm fast-medium bowler – A player of the future who has had a breakout season with both the bat and ball. Finished runner-up in the SHDCA A Grade Best & Fairest during the week.
Mitch Grinham – right-hand batsman – Determined opening batsman who makes you earn his wicket. Has the perfect temperament for red ball cricket and if he can bat through the innings, the Demons will put a big score on the board.
Dean Harrop – right-hand batsman – Aggressive top order batsman who can score quickly when set. Will be one of the wickets Woorinen will want to dismiss early.
Drew Lloyd – right-hand batsman/left-arm fast-medium bowler – Turned his hand to bowling quick this season with immediate results. Has been in tremendous form over the past few weeks with both bat and ball – and was a key factor in the Demons win over St Mary’s Tyntynder last weekend.
Justin Toomey – left-hand batsman/wicket keeper – Veteran batsman who has wound the clock back this season. Can score quickly or hold down an end depending on the situation of the game.
Ash Thompson – right-hand batsman/right-arm medium bowler – Experienced cricketer who gives his team options with both bat and ball. Dominated when these teams last met in Round 9, scoring an unbeaten 53 and helping the Demons post a big first innings total.
Shane Fleming – right-hand batsman – Experienced batsman who returned to the side after Christmas. Will be looking to rotate the strike and bat according to the situation of the innings.
Owen Harrop – right-hand batsman – Hard hitting lower order batsman who can score quickly when the situation calls for it. Has been a very handy late season inclusion for the Demons.
Ben Shadbolt (captain) – right-hand batsman/right-arm fast-medium bowler – Has led his team brilliantly with the ball in his first season as captain, taking 27 wickets heading into tomorrow’s game and finishing runner-up in the SHDCA A Grade Bowling Aggregate award.
Oliver Boulton – right-hand batsman – Was very nearly the match winner in last year’s grand final for Nyah District, smashing a quick-fire 27 to almost drag his team over the line. Will be hoping for a similar performance tomorrow if given the chance.
Cooper Andrews – right-arm medium bowler – His past two weeks have been simply superb, taking 10 wickets for just 51 runs in that time. Has become the partnership breaker for the Demons with his medium pace.
Jackson Hopkins – left-arm fast-medium bowler – Missed last week’s semi-final win over St Mary’s Tyntynder, but could well come back into the squad if the Demons opt for the extra bowler. Left arm quick who can swing the ball a long way.
Max Thompson – right-hand batsman/right-arm medium bowler – Precocious talent who has played two A Grade games as a 12-year-old this season. Extremely talented with the bat and wouldn’t look out of place if given a call up.
