PITCHED BATTLE
ONE is the top team and the other has the form player in the competition. Cricket Far North’s two-day grand final, starting today, will feature ladder leaders Atherton and a Brenton Edwards-inspired Rovers. Unsurprisingly players from both sides are seeking underdog status.
AFTER being on the receiving end of their first loss of the season just seven days ago, Atherton will be hoping to make a swift return to their winning ways in the biggest game of the season this weekend.
Arguably the form team of the competition, Atherton’s road to the decider has been relatively smooth sailing, the club winning four straight twoday games to start the season, before dropping their fifth and final two-day fixture to Barron last weekend.
“If you want to have a loss, you probably want to have it one game before a grand final,” said Atherton spin king Michael Salerno.
“We probably needed that loss as we hadn’t lost all year.
“I know the boys are going to be ready and raring to go this weekend.”
Atherton’s path to the grand final is in stark contrast to Rovers, who were little chance of making the decider after starting the season 0-2.
However, after three straight wins in two-day fixtures since, Rovers will take all-important momentum into the big dance.
Wicketkeeper Ryan Terry said the club had to work hard to turn their season around.
“It was a slow start to the year but once we jelled as a group and worked out a game plan, we just went from there,” he said.
“We sat down after that second loss, had a chat together and worked out a plan going forward and built on that.
“We’ve had three good wins in a row now and we’ll be looking to make it four.”
While the two teams earned their spot in the grand final by finishing on top of the ladder, both sides are trying to claim underdog status before a ball is bowled this morning.
Atherton’s Salerno said he believed Rovers to be firm favourites.
“They’ve won three on the trot and, with the team they’ve assembled the last couple of weeks, they’ve got the depth this year,” he said.
“The way Brenton Edwards is playing at the moment, he’s the form player of the competition and the boys are really getting on his back. I know he loves this sort of occasion and big players like him definitely step up this time of the year.” Terry was having none of it. “Probably the team on top of the ladder would be the favourites,” he said.
“I would’ve thought we’d be the underdogs coming in, with them being on top of the table the whole season. We’ll come in confident, but knowing we have a big job to do.”