NYAH DISTRICT v ST MARY’S TYNTYNDER
NYAH District will be aiming to continue their strong start to the season on Saturday when they host rivals St Mary’s Tyntynder in the first of three grand final rematches.
Although the Demons and Bulldogs faced off in all three SHDCA grand finals last year, so far this season both clubs’ fortunes have parted, with Nyah District already locked into the Kookaburra Cup grand final, while St Mary’s Tyntynder sit at the bottom of the ladder with one win from their first five games.
It has been an uncharacteristic start from one of the most dominant teams in the SHDCA over the past decade, with their six-wicket loss to RSL last Saturday continuing the Bulldogs’ woes with the bat.
It was the fourth time this season St Mary’s Tyntynder have been bowled out by an opponent and they are yet to bat past the 36th over, only once scoring more than 130 in their four defeats.
Riley Daniels (136 runs at 34.0) has consistently led the way with the bat, while Charlie King’s return last Saturday (50 not out) should give the Bulldogs faithful cause for optimism, however they will be facing one of the league’s most formidable attacks, albeit without Max Thompson for an extended period.
Saturday the Demons unveil new recruit Nash Richman, the all-rounder likely to fill Thompson’s place both with the new ball and in the middle order.
The biggest challenge for Nyah District will be in getting through the new ball as Nathaniel Holmes-Brown and Robin Sebastian are still among the league’s best opening-bowler combinations, with Austin Mckerrow, Dom Violi and Rylan Barnes providing good support.
ULTIMA TUF v WANDELLA
BOTH Ultima TUF and Wandella will be hoping to end their one-day campaigns on a high, with a spot in the top four the potential prize for the winner.
With Barham Koondrook having the bye, either the Roodogs or Bombers will most likely jump into fourth, despite starting the weekend with one less win than the Raiders.
With an even competition this season, games such as Saturday’s take on extra importance, with both clubs desperate to finish in the top four come March.
Ultima TUF proved just how competitive they are this year with their new-look batting line-up pushing reigning premiers Nyah District last Saturday.
With Mitch Seton-Stewart strengthening the Roodogs middle order, they now possess a top seven that can rival most teams.
Wandella’s big strength is with the ball and if Peter Moore, Ryan Barnes and Bohden McKnight can make inroads with the new ball, then a score within reach could be on the cards.
Having chased down 178 last Saturday, the Bombers should be full of confidence, but the key will be to keep Ultima TUF to 140 or less on an Alan Garden Reserve wicket that can be difficult to score quick runs.
