Elliot Stevenson
[Image Credit: Hutch's Photos]
The CTPL one-day semi-finals are set to be confirmed following this weekend’s cricket action, while North Hobart and Greater Northern kick off the T20 season.
The Demons are set for an all-star inclusion for the clash, with coach Richard Cowlard admitting his side needs more consistency.
“We’re pretty confident with the squad that we have that we will be competitive,” he said.
“Just being more consistent with the bat and ball will be our key over the next couple of games that we will definitely be working on.
“We welcome back Tom Rogers and Iain Carlisle is available.
“They add a lot of experience to the very young team that we have.”
The inclusion of Rogers adds depth and star power to all facets of the game, something that has been missed throughout the Demons three game losing streak.
While North Hobart opens the T20 season on Sunday, it still has a date with Kingborough in its final one-day game of 2024-25 on Saturday.
Cowlard ensures the transition between formats over the one weekend will not faze his side, despite the quick turnaround.
“It’s going to be very important adapting to the different format,” he said.
“In saying that it’s still white ball cricket.
“With the way we play, we try and be as positive as possible, so it should be a pretty smooth transition from one fixture to the next.”
The T20 season wraps up before Christmas, with the final scheduled for the 22nd of December.
Before its Sunday T20, Greater Northern must play for a spot in the one-day finals as they take on New Town.
The Raiders sit fourth in the table, with a win guaranteeing them a semi-final place.
New Town will be aiming to secure a home final, having only lost one game for the season.
Reigning one-day grand finalists South Hobart-Sandy Bay will host Lindisfarne, with the Sharks on the hunt to steal a top four position from any of the current crop.
Richard Allanby’s side will need to win and rely on one of Kingborough or Greater Northern to lose if they cannot manage to garner any bonus points.
If bonus points are won, then both New Town and University are in the shark cage, if they fall short.
University will be confident heading into a matchup with the winless Glenorchy, but the potential of causing an upset and eliminating Uni will surely spur on the Magpies.
The Lions are likely to receive confidence boosting inclusions, with a number of players set to return from Tasmania duty.
Glenorchy captain-coach Josh Hartill will look to continue his good form with the bat, having made 116 not out against New Town a week ago.
Clarence has a bye and will turn its attention to next Thursday and the beginning of a T20 campaign.
There will be no women’s CTPL games this weekend due to a Tasmania Tigers Second XI game, with the competition returning on the 17th of November for two T20 double-headers.