Roos, Lightning in fight to death

CLARENCE and Lindisfarne will be waging a head-to-head battle — at two different venues — this afternoon to decide who will tackle South Hobart-Sandy Bay in the CTPL Kookaburra Cup final.

The final round-robin matches unfold today, with the Roos and Lightning locked on 21 points and fighting it out for second spot behind the Sharks, who sit six points clear on top of the one-day ladder.

The Roos appear to have the easier task on paper when they head to New Town to take on the winless Bucks, while Lindisfarne is also on the road at University.

Despite appearing in the box seat to progress to the final, Clarence will not be underestimating a Bucks outfit who will lift for the Scott Mason memorial match as they strive to end the 50-over comp on a high.

“We might keep an eye on the other scores at certain stages during the day to determine whether things like bonus points are required, but the main focus is on what we can control to win a game of cricket,” Clarence coach Dan Salpietro said.

“You can never go into a match just thinking everything will go your way, regardless of the opposition, and we will need to play some good cricket to get the result and hopefully move into the final.”

While blessed with star talent when state players are available, the BBL has robbed the Roos of firstchoice starters such as Ben Rohrer, Riley Meredith, Matthew Wade, D’Arcy Short and Sam Rainbird.

Salpietro said it gave the chance for the players who get demoted when the club is at full strength to take their chances, of which several have in recent rounds.

“Guys like Ned Absolom and Isaac Salter, who have been forced to drop to the second team at times, come back up and have an opportunity,” he said.

In other matches today Glenorchy hosts the ladder leading South-Sandy, while Greater Northern Raiders make the trip south to the TCA to tackle North Hobart.