READY FOR REVENGE

Atherton already eyeing next clash with Rovers after winning two-day title

ATHERTON will be ready for a Rovers outfit eyeing revenge when the two clubs meet again in less than two weeks’ time.

Atherton defeated Rovers in the weekend’s first-grade decider at Griffiths Park to claim the 2019-20 Cricket Far North two-day premiership, but the sides will meet again on Saturday, February 1, when the one-day season gets into full swing.

The grand final rematch, which will take place just 14 days after their last encounter, promises to be a highly competitive fixture.

Atherton all-rounder Michael Salerno said it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a bit of spice out in the middle.

Following his side’s premiership win on Sunday, the Queensland Country Brahmans representative said he hoped Rovers had learnt from their grand final mistakes.

“In the big games, you need your big players to step up and, apart from Brenton Edwards, no one else really showed up,” he said.

“They definitely talked the talk but, unfortunately, they didn’t walk the walk.

“They got stuck into a few of our boys and that’s one thing you don’t want to do in a final – try and egg people on – because that just motivates them.

“I know that myself and a lot of our boys were really digging in after that.”

Rovers stalwart Brenton Edwards said the club wouldn’t spend too much time dwelling on the loss, but rather shift their focus to the one-day and T20 competitions that are just around the corner.

“Obviously it’s disappointing, but we’ve got two more competitions to have a good crack at,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to having a week break and then getting back out there.”

Edwards said knocking off the new premiers on February 1 would help ease the pain of Rovers’ grand final loss.