After a couple of rain interrupted rounds, and the away games at Redcliffs representative fixture last weekend, it is looking likely, fingers crossed, we will get a full round of Barrier District Cricket League (BDCL) action this weekend.
In the A-Grade this season so far, there has yet to be a ball bowled or bat swung in anger after being fully rained out in the first two weeks.
That means round three will be the first round of action and we have some tasty matchups to look forward to.
Both games will take place at 11:30am today – Saturday – at the Jubilee Oval. Last season’s premiers West will take on Central in a rematch of the last Grand Final.
Meanwhile, over at Alma Oval, North will take on the South Roos, in a match where both sides will be desperate to get their seasons off to the right start.
It’s a new era for West on Sunday, the post Paul Attard era.
It will be interesting to see how the side handles the absence of the great Robin player.
In recent years Paul’s impact with the bat and ball may have diminished a little but his wealth of experience over more than 30 years of cricket has been instrumental in winning many West premierships, including last season’s win.
Mackenzie Attard will need to step up and take on greater responsibility as the leader of the side now, and players such as Matt Handberg and Max Everuss can impart their wealth of knowledge to lend assistance.
West will hope for more consistency from their batting line-up. Last season The Robins struggled for reliability with the bat.
The aforementioned loss of Paul Attard will not help, neither will the unavailability of Lachie Harvey.
With the ball, West have plenty of options. Lawrence Hebbard is just about the best strike bowler in the Silver City. The Ferguson brothers will compliment Hebbard well, and Matt Handberg will be important with his spin.
For the Central batting line-up, Jarred Paul is going to be instrumental. The Magpies will also be looking to the likes of Tristian Smith, Nick Devoy, Adam Rhodes and Scott Mateer to supplement Paul’s batting prowess.
With the ball, Central are looking a little light on after the departure of Michael Maalste. David O’Mally will bear the responsibility of the new ball, while Jarred Paul and Scott Mateer will be crucial in the middle overs.
“This game looks to be a toss of the coin job,” BDCL Cricket Chairman Peter Johnston told the Barrier Truth when we asked for a prediction.
“Both sides have shown inconsistency in their games last season and, not unlike last year’s Grand Final, it will be a matter of who produces the goods on the day that opens their winning account. I think Central have a little score to settle against West and this may just get them over the line.”
