T20 cricket makes a re-appearance on the local cricket scene with a doubleheader being staged at the Alma Oval today.
West will take on South in the early game commencing at 12.30pm while North will meet Central in the second game commencing at 4pm.
West batters are likely to be still shellshocked from their dramatic collapse against North last weekend when Austin Wilson took four wickets including a hat-trick. West must be concerned with the lack of form shown by some of their better batters with both Mackenzie Attard and Max Everuss really struggling to find consistent runs this season after an excellent last season. Fortunately, the South bowling attack has lacked penetration in recent games and West may get the opportunity to rediscover some touch today.
South continued to show some good touch with the willow at the Jubilee Oval last weekend and they will hope the likes of Matt Gray, Nick Christos, and Tristen Smith can transfer that form over to the slightly slower Alma wicket. West’s Laurence Hebbard is certain to again have a say in whether they can set South a competitive target to chase.
North was impressive in their first game since the Christmas break, and they can only get stronger with the return of Ben Jurd to their side today. Jurd scored over 350 runs in the first half of the season and appears certain to be instrumental in North’s press for premiership honours. Tobias Hack also came good with the bat last weekend. He could also play a major role for the Bulldogs in the second half of the season. Unsung hero Austin Wilson has been a major contributor with bat and ball all season for the Bulldogs and again looms as a key player in the second half of the season.
Central uncovered a boom recruit in Zac Robards last week against South. Four wickets and a half century with the bat proved invaluable for the Magpies in that game. The good form shown by youngster Nick Devoy with the bat would have also been heartening for the Magpie camp.
The lack of penetration within the Central bowling attack remains a concern and may again lead to their downfall in this game. Early breakthroughs with the ball will need to be made by O’Mally and Robards if Central are to remain competitive in this contest.
