Elliot Stevenson
South Hobart-Sandy Bay will be aiming to win its first CTPL T20 premiership since 2017-18 when they do battle with old rivals University at Ninja Stadium on Sunday.
The Sharks last played in a T20 grand in 2021-22 in a narrow 3-wicket loss to Greater Northern, and haven’t won one for seven years, in a game that featured the likes of George Bailey, Alex Doolan, and Xavier Doherty.
With a new-look, hungry team, South Hobart-Sandy Bay will challenge recent Kookaburra Cup winners University, which can win its second trophy of the season.
Coach Richard Allanby insists his side are embracing the opportunity.
“It’s very exciting for our group,” he said.
“That’s why we play cricket, to make semi-finals and strive to make finals.
“We look forward to the contest this Sunday over at Ninja Stadium.”
The Sharks defeated North Hobart in Sunday’s semi-final by 23 runs, led by Tom Willoughby [39 off 37 balls & 3/11 off 3 overs] with bat and ball, and the ever-dangerous Gabe Bell [4/27 off 4 overs].
Uni were victorious against Kingborough in their semi-final, and will likely be treated to the inclusions of Tasmania Tigers players Brad Hope and Tim Ward.
Allanby admits the Lions are a quality side, but remains confident in the ability of his team.
“We’ve had a pretty even year, with some good performances throughout,” he said.
“We’re pretty confident that we’ve got an even spread of talent.
“Uni are a well-drilled team.
“They, like us, have got some match-winners.
“I feel like we’re really well-placed to have a good contest with them.”
The Lions have found an effective mixture of youth and high-level experience that has seen them make both pre-Christmas grand finals, as well as currently sitting first on the combined formats ladder.
South Hobart-Sandy Bay had an indifferent start to the season, but have consistently gained momentum, missing out on the Kookaburra Cup due to a rain-affected semi-final before turning their attention to the T20 format, and now a seemingly perfect storm has erupted.
The first ball will be bowled at 1:00pm on Sunday at Ninja Stadium.
Clarence will resume at 2-80 in chase of Glenorchy’s 170 at Kangaroo Bay.
Despite losing two early wickets in both openers, the Roos will place their faith in Ryan Borsboom [43 not out off 55 balls] and Riley Whitelaw [18 not out off 38 balls] to secure their first 2-day win of the season.
Clarence lost their first 2-dayer to University, falling just 32 runs short of a winning score.
A potential outright result is on the cards as Lindisfarne will look to knock North Hobart over for a similar score to the first innings.
The Demons could only manage 54, with five players scoring ducks, courtesy of a devastating spell from Sebastian Brown [4/6 off 5.1 overs].
He was partnered by Lachie Nichols [3/13 off 5 overs], while captain Keegan Oates [84 off 165 balls] did the damage with bat in hand.
The Lightning sit 107 runs ahead of their counterparts, with one wicket remaining before North Hobart are set to be thrown in the fire once again.
The Demons will be looking to avoid their first defeat of their 2-day season.
Greater Northern is sitting pretty at 7/289 following a first day batting display to remember from the Raiders middle-order against New Town.
Cooper Anthes [69 off 141 balls] and Dravid Rao [51 not out off 107 balls] stabilised the loss of early wickets, while Jonathon Chapman [84 off 108 balls] piled on the runs at UTAS Stadium.
New Town will be looking to achieve similar results when they are invited to the crease, with in-form batsmen Caelan Maladay and Jayden Vince set to provide the threat for the Bucks.
The Raiders are the only side who made their red ball season debut last weekend, but Alistair Taylor’s side took no time to acclimate themselves to the format.