Greater Northern will play in a fourth consecutive CTPL Women’s T20 Grand Final as they travel to Hobart to take on New Town in Sunday’s mega-clash.
The Raiders lost twice to the Bucks last week, both times on the final ball, to forgo a home grand final.
The influx of WBBL personnel will be significantly shorter than last weekend, resulting in likely several changes between both sides.
Greater Northern will welcome back captain Ava Curtis alongside two other players from the recent Under 19 Female National Championships in what is sure to be a boost.
Coach Andy Gower ensures his side are embracing the opportunity to play on the biggest stage.
“We’re very confident,” he said.
“We were a little disappointed we couldn’t get over the line last weekend.
“It was two very close, excellent games of cricket.”
The Raiders fell short against North Hobart in last year’s T20 grand final, with the Demons chasing down Greater Northern’s 115 in 17.5 overs.
Under the new leadership of Gower, the Raiders have returned to fourth consecutive T20 grand final, with the previous three all coming against North Hobart.
Gower is not focusing on the distant past, however, instead examining last week's results and feeding off the excitement of playing in a decider.
“We’re over the moon to play in a grand final,” he said.
“I know the ladies are really excited about the opportunity that is presented on the weekend.
“We’re just taking the positives out of the weekend and really working on individually what we could have done better to save a run or make an extra run.”
In the men’s competition, a pair of T20’s will decide Saturday’s semi-finals.
The matches will take place on Thursday evening, with places in the top four up for grabs for three teams.
University faces a must-win challenge against New Town at New Town Oval, with a victory guaranteeing Uni will remain a live chance to win their second premiership of the season.
The Lions will be motivated by the opportunity to host a semi-final, while New Town will be brimming with confidence having defeated ladder-leaders North Hobart last week.
The reigning T20 premier Bucks will end University’s white-ball season with a win, despite not being able to qualify themselves.
Lindisfarne faces a nervous wait, as their T20 future is reliant on a New Town victory on Thursday.
The other match sees Glenorchy host Kingborough face off in a do-or-die game.
If Glenorchy are victorious, they will surpass North Hobart in first place, hosting a semi-final on Saturday, while Kingborough will be forced to kiss its premiership hopes goodbye.
The outcome will be reversed if Kingborough manage to defeat Glenorchy, meaning the Knights could host a semi-final, while Glenorchy will be eliminated.
The Knights haven’t played in December, having last played North Hobart in a 5-wicket loss.
Glenorchy on the other hand defeated Clarence last Thursday, largely thanks to a blistering knock from opener Dylan Hunter [68 not out off 57 balls].