Nyah District v Wandella
NYAH District will be out to continue their undefeated start when they host Wandella in a semi-final rematch this weekend.
The Demons are one of three teams yet to taste defeat from the opening two rounds, but will go in underdogs after their capitulation to the Bombers in last season’s first semi-final.
It was Wandella’s performance with the ball that saw them through to the grand final that afternoon, with pacemen Ethan McKnight, Ryan Barnes and Bohden McKnight combining to terrorise the Demons’ batting line-up on their way to a 34-run win.
But while Nyah District were found wanting with the bat when the teams last met, if last Saturday is any indication, then they may have turned the corner, posting 9-184 in their 86-run win over Woorinen.
It was a score that would have pleased Demons captain Ben Shadbolt, who missed last Saturday’s win.
“I’m sure the group has gained some confidence after the result from Saturday, it was good to see a couple of the young boys get starts and get us to a good total in the end,” Shadbolt said.
“It (batting consistency) is something we’ve struggled with in the past, it’s a lot easier on the bowlers when you have a good total on the board and it’s something were working hard at.
“I’m super proud of our efforts so far, we’ve played two games for two wins and hopefully we can keep rolling from here, but we’re also well aware we have a lot of improving to do as well.”
Nyah District will make one change, with Shadbolt to return, and star all-rounder Joel Walsh expected to miss yet again.
Wandella could also make a change, with their own gun all-rounder Peter Moore a chance to return to face the Demons, having missed last Saturday’s loss to Barham-Koondrook.
The Bombers piled on the runs in their opening match against Swan Hill, passing the Swans’ total without losing a wicket, only to be bowled out for 104 in the 27th over.
First-time captain Ryan Barnes is not expecting a repeat on Saturday.
“We just had a few little things not go our way that completely changed the momentum of the game last week,” Barnes said.
“It just goes to show, from playing Swan Hill in week one to Barham-Koondrook, how quickly form can change.
“I think our bowling attack is our strength, we have a lot of talent and plenty of depth with the ball, but hopefully tomorrow we have a few of the boys step up and make a few runs, too.
“If we are to improve on last weekend, then we’ll need an improved performance with the bat, it’s fair to say.
“We know from playing them (Nyah District) last season and the season before, that they are a good team and we’re going to need to be at our best.
“They’ve got several good players that we’ll need to watch, but we’ll go up there, play our game and hopefully come away with the win, but that will be easier said than done on their home ground.”
While Wandella have a similar bowling attack to the one which bowled them into a grand final last season, Nyah District will have a very different look to theirs.
English import Alex Wilson and young gun Max Thompson opened the bowling against Woorinen last Saturday.
With Shadbolt set to return, the Demons should have enough depth with the ball to challenge the Bombers.
The question is, do they have the depth and class with the bat to threaten Wandella’s high-class bowling line-up?
