Elliot Stevenson
[Image supplied by Solstice Digital]
Kingborough’s resolve will be tested as they play three games in three formats in a blockbuster filled weekend of CTPL cricket.
The Knights faced Lindisfarne in their first T20 of the season on Thursday, before going head-to-head with the Lightning once again in the first day of a 2-dayer on Saturday.
Finally, Kingborough has a date with University in a Kookaburra Cup semi-final on Sunday as they look to go back-to-back in the one-day competition.
Knights coach Tom Martyn isn’t fazed by the size of the task, remaining confident in his side’s adaptability.
“It’s really exciting for our group,” he said.
“Obviously, we have had a little bit of change since last year so there’s a lot of fresh guys in the team.
“We are really excited and eager to get going on Sunday.
“I think it will be challenging from a load perspective but we’re really excited to be playing cricket and to hopefully get three wins over the four days.”
The reigning premiers will be without star Tigers batsman Jake Weatherald, but welcome back Josh Henley as replacement.
Last time they met, Kingborough soundly defeated University at the Twin Ovals, winning by eight wickets.
South Hobart-Sandy Bay host last year’s T20 runners up Clarence in the other Thursday matchup, with the Sharks also faced with three games in four days, including a semi-final.
They travel to KGV to take on Glenorchy in day one of a 2-day match on Saturday, before playing visitor to New Town on Sunday for a place in the Kookaburra Cup Grand Final.
Richard Allanby’s side are the form team of the competition, having won its past three games by a combined 286 runs.
Much of that record can be attributed to the fast-bowling form of Ed Gulline, who is averaging just 7.58 in 1st Grade this season.
The Sharks will be full of faith as they go to battle for a place in the grand final scheduled for the 24th of November.
While the one-day season didn’t go to plan, Clarence is hoping for a fresh start as it kickstarts its 2-day campaign against University on Saturday.
The Roos only managed one win in the white ball competition but will be looking to put that behind them as they begin anew at Kangaroo Bay Oval.
Clarence made the final of the 2-day competition in 2023-24, having finished top of the ladder, but ultimately fell to Kingborough in a one-sided final.
North Hobart is another side who will be aiming to put a disappointing Kookaburra Cup behind them as they host New Town.
New Town will have one eye on Sunday’s semi-final but will also be eager to begin the 2-day season with full points as it hunts for silverware.
The Bucks will be buoyed by the batting form of Joe Randall, who is averaging 74.5 from his last three performances.
In the women’s competition, two T20 double-headers are scheduled to take place, with ladder leaders North Hobart set to do battle with New Town, while a winless Clarence side host Greater Northern in a pair of mouth-watering clashes.
North Hobart holds the wood over the Bucks so far this season, winning both previous matchups between the two sides.
Melodie Armstrong starred for the Demons in the most recent, scoring 60 not out off 47 balls.
For New Town, the match was headlined by Bethany Lane, with the opener making 66 off 58 balls.
Clarence finds itself in a similar situation to New Town, having lost both of its matchups with Sunday’s opponents in 2024-25.
The Roos are still searching for a maiden win of the new season but will take some confidence from a narrow defeat to the Raiders just two weekends ago.
West Indian opener Shawnisha Hector provided the spark with 53 off 49 balls in the loss.