BLACK Stars will have to defy last year’s premiers to crown their unbeaten season in Saturday’s Mount Isa Cricket Association grand final.
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Black Stars and Townview will meet for the second year running in the decider that will be held at Sunset Oval (11am) on Saturday.
The last time the two met was just two weeks ago in the major semi-final where Black Stars bowled out Townview for 219 after the minor premiers were 7-289 in the first innings.
But for Black Stars captain Kyle Keighery, it is another case of previous results not having the slightest of importance on preparations for the game.
“Even with what’s happened throughout the year,” Keighery said.
“Whether we’ve lost 10 games or won 10 games, we’re still coming up against a quality opposition.
‘‘We won’t be taking them lightly at all.’’
Townview captain Billy Baillie and his side will be showing similar respect to the opposition, who have regularly found themselves in numerous grand finals over the past years.
“Starries are definitely the form team this year,” Baillie said.
“But to go back-to-back would be pretty awesome. It took us nearly 15 years to get to the grand final last year, so to get to this year’s one is pretty special in itself.”
Black Stars will likely be bidding farewell to long-time servant of the club Ryan Battelley, who returns to the side in place of Raj Gunatilake.
“We’re looking forward to giving him a good send-off,’’ Keighery said.
‘‘He brings massive spirit for us.
‘‘He’s a quality bat but also a good clubman as well, and great to have around the club.”
After the preliminary final last week against Panthers, Townview will be without Wayne Woods (hand) and Az Germaine (bicep) and are likely to look towards the youth ranks again.
“We’ve got a lot of players that haven’t played a grand final game this year,’’ Baillie said.
‘‘It would be good to see the juniors get in there and perform.”
Both captains agreed that early wickets would be essential for their teams to succeed on Saturday but Keighery knows particularly well where his side should be improving.
“We’ve never been a strong team in the field,’’ he said.
‘‘We enjoy making fun of ourselves out there.
‘‘If we can improve on our fielding, and everything else stays where it is, then we’re on the right track to having a win.”
In contrast, Townview’s chances at the title will heavily rely on the performances in the batting top order.
“Any big scores from our top four usually means we go onto get a big total,’’ Baillie said.
‘‘The batters have got to do the job.”
Key points of the game
EARLY IN THE INNINGS: Jarrod Hill (Black Stars) versus Billy Baillie (Townview): This match-up pits Black Stars opening bowler Jarrod Hill with Townview’s key opening batsman, Billy Baillie. In the past Hill has usually dominated the Townview top order and his side will be hoping that continues.
BATTLE OF THE ALL-ROUNDERS: Black Stars Andrew Lawrenson versus Townview’s Clint Heuir, Lawrenson has been quoted by the opposing captain as probably “the best cricket player in Mount Isa for the last 20 years”. The early taking of this wicket will be crucial for Townview’s aspirations.
WHERE WILL THE GAME BE WON: Early wickets are always the key. If either side’s top order can make big starts it will be an uphill battle for the opposition. Openers Kyle Keighery and Trent Cameron will be crucial for the Starries’ chances, while Townview’s early batsmen, Billy Baillie and Clint Heuir at number five, will be key influences.