Fusion keen to earn another go at Gabba
MATT NICHOLLS FAR North Fusion will look to book another grand final berth at the Gabba when it takes on the state’s best country cricketers in Mackay this weekend.
The fresh-faced T20 Country Challenge squad left Cairns Airport yesterday, with at least three games guaranteed over the weekend.
Fusion coach Wade Frazer hopes there will be a fourth match tomorrow, as only the top teams play for a spot at Queensland’s premier venue.
“We did well last year and were the best team all weekend in Mackay,” Frazer said.
“I thought we let ourselves down in that match at the Gabba so I know the boys are keen to not only get back there again, but to go one better and win the whole thing.”
The T20 Country Challenge was put on by the Bulls Masters and would be ruthless, the coach said.
“We have picked a strong squad and we are going down to win it,” Frazer said at the airport.
“You can’t take the game for granted. In Twenty20 cricket it only takes one bloke to get going with the bat or one guy to clean up with the ball to win or lose.”
The absence of gun batsman/wicketkeeper Gerard Fox has created some holes in the Fusion line-up, but Frazer was confident new faces would step up.
“Angus Warnock is a really good keeper and a strong batsman, so we should be OK behind the stumps,” he said.
“Tom Lever will get the first crack at opening the batting with Dan (Parnell) and he’s a really strong team man, so we know he will play his role at the top of the order.”
Parnell and Chris Stanger will be the main men with the bat. Last year, Parnell struggled in Mackay, but the year before, he was in blistering touch.
Stanger’s form at club level has been strong and he should be able to replicate it this weekend. All-rounders Jake Roach and Brenton Edwards will also be key men for the Far North squad.
The Fusion played Central Queensland last night and today face Mackay-Whitsunday and Darling Downs.
The top two sides from each pool of four will play in semi-finals tomorrow.
The grand final will be played at the Gabba in midJanuary next year, with a date yet to be announced.