Uni embraces underdog status in final

UNIVERSITY will wear the underdog tag with pride heading into its CTPL Kookaburra Cup final against Kingborough at Blundstone Arena tomorrow and Maddie Blazely says the Lions are a big chance to bite the undefeated Knights.

Uni has beaten Kingborough in their past two Twenty20 matches — including a last-ball thriller last weekend — and while they did not meet in the three-round 40-over Kookaburra Cup competition, Blazely believes the Lions can transfer their form to the one-day scenario.

“We’ve had some close games in the T20 and last week’s win was a bit close for comfort,” Blazely said.

“We’ve got some players coming back this week, which will help a lot.

“We are expecting another close and exciting contest.”

The loss of star batter Emily Divin (147 runs in three innings at an average of 73.5) is a blow for Kingborough, but Tasmanian Tigers women’s captain Brooke Hepburn, the Knights’ secondhighest scorer (85 runs at 28.33), says the side has the talent to cover her absence.

“We’ve won all three of our games in the group stage so we will go into the final feeling confident,” Hepburn said.

The Knights need Bonnie Davies, Lauren Hepburn and Rachael Styles to produce with the bat.

“We’ve got some players coming back this week and we’ve got players in good form with the bat and ball,” Hepburn said.

Kingborough will play University of Tasmania from 10.30am, followed by the men’s final between South Hobart-Sandy Bay and Lindisfarne, which made the playoff on superior bonus points ahead of Clarence.