WINGHAM cricketers will be nervously watching the weather leading into tomorrow’s inaugural Mid North Coast Premier League cricket grand final against Macquarie Hotel at Port Macquarie’s Wayne Richards Park.
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Macquarie finished minor premiers and will be favoured if wet weather intervenes.
Recent history hasn’t been kind to Wingham. Last season’s Manning first grade grand final was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain. There was provision to play the match the following weekend, however, the big wet continued and United won the premiership as they were the minor premiers.
Both Wingham/Macquarie Hotel fixtures this season were also washed out.
“We don’t want to miss out twice,’’ Wingham captain Ben Scowen said.
Weather worries aside Scowen said Wingham will be at full strength for tomorrow’s encounter, timed to start at 1pm. They go into the game on the back of a performance against United in the semi-final described by Scowen as the best of the season with the bat, ball and in the field.
Should be win the toss Scowen expects he’ll bat, although it will depend on the prevailing conditions.
“We have a strong batting side and it’s always good to get runs on the board. If we get a good score up than like last week, than it’s hard to chase.’’
Because of the weather interruptions Scowen admits his knowledge of Macquarie is rather limited.
“Their captain, Josh Hyde, is probably the best allrounder in the competition. Scott Witchard, their keeper/batsman is also a good player as is their top order batsman Chris Cole. I played in the Mid North Coast Stingers with him,’’ he said.
“I don’t know much about the rest, but you don’t finish in the top spot if you don’t have a strong team.’’
However, Scowen is confident Wingham boasts the firepower to match the home side.
“Ben Cole, Michael Rees and Dave Rees – they’re among the best players in the comp,’’ he said.
Cole was at his destructive best when he thrashed the United bowling when scoring a match defining 89 in the semi-final. Michael Rees will open the batting and he has played some belligerent innings since returning to Wingham midway through the season, while Dave Rees will lead the attack while also being a batting mainstay.
By his own admission Scowen’s form with the bat this year has been moderate. He said it would be ‘nice’ to make a significant score in the season’s biggest game.
