Struggling Saints Grand finalists face battle to get a team on field
SAINTS are making no bones about it, today’s session of Townsville Cricket is going to be tough.
Last season’s grand finalists are battling to get a full team together for today’s A grade clash against ladder leaders Suburban Parks at JCU Oval, and are even facing the possibility of a forfeit should the worst case scenario eventuate.
Saints president Malcolm Marshall said the club would do everything in its power to get a full team on deck.
“The confidence is pretty good, but we’re struggling to get a team out there,” he said.
“At the moment we have players, and there’s nowhere where we go to get players.
“We’re actually trying to get people out of retirement, so we’re waiting to hear back from them.
“Every club is struggling with numbers at the moment, but with the university that’s been a change of students playing for us, so that’s added to our situation.” nine else
Saints copped a heavy blow in recent weeks when A grade captain and long- time club servant Matthew Burton shifted to the Sunshine Coast for work.
It was by no means a hammer blow, but his departure has been exacerbated by the withdrawals of Tom Sky ( work), Matthew Brooks ( injury) and David Schubert ( work).
New skipper Brad Stout, who blasted 83 runs from 54 deliveries in last weekend’s 69- run win over Brothers, will be available in a crucial boost to Saints’ chances.
Saints sit third on the A grade ladder and bounced back in style last weekend after the previous round’s 62- run defeat to Norths.
“If we win two of our next three games we’ll make finals,” Marshall said.
“I’d say it’s very unlikely that we don’t make it, but the next two weeks are really crucial.”
Saints have extra incentive to keep playing through the tough times, with representative player Zac Holm due back from England in the new year.
“We’re OK, but it’s just been one of those weeks,” Marshall said.
Second- placed Norths host Wests at Endeavour Park, with Wests eager to bounce back from the previous weekend’s heavy loss to Sub Parks.
Wests are less than two competition points behind Saints, but face a potent Norths’ bowling attack that dismissed Wanderers for 93 last weekend.
Brothers, who scored one of the season’s big upsets with a victory over an understrength Sub Parks a fortnight ago, play Wanderers at Gill Park in today’s other game.