Crusaders square up against Chatsworth Sporting

A SUPER Sunday clash is on the cards when Chatsworth Sporting host Crusaders at the Chatsworth Oval in the Kwazulu-natal Cricket Union (KZNCU) Premier League match today.

Crusaders and Sporting have been the stand-out clubs in the competition this season, and victory for either could go a long way towards deciding who will land the league.

James Pence’s Crusaders thrashed DHS Rhythm by seven wickets last weekend to climb to the top of the log with a two point advantage over Sporting, who enjoyed a bye.

But Sporting’s captain, Deepak Anand, believed they would overturn their deficit after today’s outing.

“The boys are well rested and really hungry to go out and have a go.

“We know that if we can win this one, then we have a great chance of going all the way,” said Anand.

Sporting are on a six-match unbeaten streak and will be looking to their fast bowlers to make an impression on a surface that has offered good pace and bounce all season.

“Jesse Smit and Kean Maharaj have taken plenty of wickets for us this season and we will look to them to lead the line,” Anand said.

“The boys are ready. We had some good technical training sessions; now it is just about executing our skills at home,” Anand said.

Crusaders chairman, Rob Clift praised Sporting for their emergence in club cricket after staving off relegation last season.

“It is wonderful to see Sporting fighting up there,” he beamed. “It is a very important game and both teams are very excited,” Clift said.

Crusaders have dominated the competition, winning the title for eight seasons in a row.

For Clift and his team, it is about remaining focused and enjoying themselves out in the middle.

“We have enjoyed a good run over the past few games but you cannot take any match for granted,” he added.

“Hopefully it will be a good contest and both sides will be without their Dolphins players, so it should be a good test for the players,” said Clift.