Rovers to turn tables on rivals

ROVERS captain Brenton Edwards is confident he’s got the right bowling unit to avenge a double dose of grand final heartbreak.

The former Australian Country representative will lead the green machine into its second-round clash against reigning one-day champions Atherton on Saturday at Griffiths Park.

The sides met in the firstgrade two-day and one-day grand finals last summer, with the Tablelanders coming out on top on both occasions.

Edwards said the side would relish a shot at grand final redemption early in the season.

“It’s going to be a tough game and with them beating us in the two finals last year, there’s definitely a bit of motivation there for us,” he said.

The all-rounder said he had faith in his bowling attack to maintain the form that saw it roll Mulgrave for 54 in the opening round.

“I think our bowling is going to be one of our main strengths this year,” he said.

“We know what we get with Tom Lever, and I just try and do my thing, but we’ve got Chris Davies, the young Pom, who’s really impressed me since coming here in the offseason. He’s been a great pickup, not just on the field but off the field as well.

“He just gets around the boys and if anything needs to be done he’s the first one to put his hand up.

“He’s been training really hard and he put his best foot forward last week, so hopefully he can keep it up.”

Rovers have named the same line-up that defeated Mulgrave by 110 runs in the opening round last weekend.

Atherton will welcome back experienced first-graders Michael Salerno, Logan Poggioli and Hadyn Steele, after they missed their side’s first-round win over Cassowary Coast.