TAKES TEAM EFFORT AS TAHS DIG IN
ALL it will take will be a couple of early wickets to swing the momentum in Waratah’s favour.
That was the feeling from Warriors acting captain Udara Weerasinghe after his team was bowled out for 247 in the 2021 Darwin Premier Grade Final against Southern Districts. The game is evenly poised, with the Crocodiles 0-13 from four overs in reply.
Once again, Waratah’s star opening batsman Ashley Chandrasinghe stood up in a final, making a crucial 63 from 153 balls, occupying the crease for over three hours.
It was the stylish left-hander who also played a pivotal role with the bat in last year’s final, scoring 61 and helping his side to a 94-run win over Palmerston.
“Ash’s past three innings (which also included 156 and 172 against Tracy Village and PINT respectively) have been outstanding,” Weerasinghe said.
“He’s setting the benchmark with the bat, and now we’re just very excited (for day two on Sunday).
“We just need a couple of early wickets and then the pressure is on them.”
Allrounder Weerasinghe has largely taken a back seat among a star batting line-up this year.
And once again, others performed around him, star No.4 Dylan Hunter (56), his brother Madura and Wilson Ryan (both scoring 22) and Ishara Gange (31 off 17 balls with four fours and a six) contributing.
But Weerasinghe also stood up when it counted with the willow, making an important 36 from 76 balls.
“I want to give my brother Madura credit – he made 22 and he’s been scoring 20s and 30s for us all season,” Weerasinghe said.
Districts captain Matt Hammond also cannot wait for day two.
“The job is only half done,” he said. “But we’ve got the batsman to do it for us. Facing four overs late in the day and being none down was really important.
“When we got Ash out the emotion came out of us because he was batting really well and it was a bit of a turning point. Our batsmen won’t change how they play chasing this score. They chased down 327 against Palmerston (in round 14) but they’re all confident anyway.”
Hammond said his teammates collectively have the right temperament.
“Udara’s played in a lot of big games (but) the deck is pretty flat,” he said. “It’s grand-final cricket so anything can happen, but we won’t change the way we bat.”