Lindisfarne is on the precipice of an upset win over the league leaders University as three CTPL Round 22 games continue Saturday.
The Lightning require nine wickets in their protection of a monstrous 316-run lead at Uni Oval.
Matt Wilkie’s team declared at 9-329 late on day one, taking the wicket of young batsman Mason Wright before stumps were called.
“It was just a really good team effort [last Saturday],” Wilkie said.
“It was really pleasing to see lots of guys get going.
“Hopefully they can back it up again this week and hopefully the rain stays away.”
Lindisfarne has been bolstered by the return of experienced batter Charlie Wakim from his successful BBL campaign, with the 33-year-old scoring a half-century last weekend.
“He’s just that calm, experienced player that has played a lot of cricket over the years,” Wilkie said.
“He gives the guys a real confidence boost.
“He’s always got some tips for the guys as well.”
He was partnered by three other experienced cricketers in Mac Wright [54 off 74 balls], captain Keegan Oates [56 off 125 balls], and Jarrod Freeman [89 off 121 balls].
Wakim’s Hobart Hurricanes teammate Paddy Dooley will resume at the crease for Uni, partnered by wicket-keeper Tom Roberts.
The Lions remain mostly depleted, but star all-rounder Brad Hope will look to spearhead a monumental chase come Saturday, having missed last week on Tigers duty.
Lindisfarne has not won since before Christmas, a record Wilkie and his team will look to scratch off on the weekend.
“It looks a good wicket,” he said.
“Really disciplined type bowling is what we’ve had to play all year.
“We’re going to have to execute that this weekend.”
Kingborough will be keeping a close eye on proceedings across the road, as it looks to finish off South Hobart-Sandy Bay in style.
The Knights head into the game just two points shy of the Kookaburra Cup and T20 premiers, a deficit that can be erased if results go their way.
They made 249 last weekend, largely thanks to a blistering century from opener Zak Honeybrook [138 off 147 balls].
A similarly electric opening spell from Cam Walter made the task for the Sharks that much harder, and at 8-101 at stumps, a Kingborough victory seems probable.
South Hobart-Sandy Bay will likely remain in the coveted fourth position, however, unless North Hobart manage a major turnaround at KGV.
Glenorchy finished day one with an exceptional score of 3-288, courtesy of Josh Hartill’s 125 not out off 247 balls.
It remains to be seen when North Hobart will be made to bat, but the Demons face a significant challenge when that moment may come.
With recent Tasmania Tigers century-maker and match-winner Caleb Jewell and state teammate Raf MacMillan set to rejoin Richard Cowlard’s side, some hope will remain in the Demons camp that a chase could be completed.
In the women’s competition, New Town has partnered with the McGrath Foundation to host their fourth ‘Bat4Boobs’ cocktail event in their match against North Hobart at New Town Oval on Sunday.
The event has raised over $100,000 to support McGrath Breast Care Nurses around the country since its debut in 2021.
Attendees are encouraged to wear a ‘garden party’ outfit with a ‘splash of pink,’ and will feature food, drink, and surprise gifts throughout the day.
The game serves as a fundraising event but also remains a crucial match for the Bucks’ finals hopes.
Tyson Wegman’s team are currently 12 points behind Greater Northern in second place, having won just one of their four one-day matches since their T20 triumph in December.
North Hobart, in contrast, sit five points clear of the Raiders at the apex of the ladder.
The match will feature a host of all-star cricket talent, including Nicola Carey, Elyse Villani, Molly Strano, and Lizelle Lee, in what promises to be a showcase of the continual development of women’s cricket in Tasmania.
The match between Clarence and Greater Northern looms as vital for both teams’ potential qualification to the one-day final in March.
The Raiders have won three straight games since their 0-2 start in the one-day competition, a remarkable turnaround that sees Andy Gower’s side seven points clear of the Roos.
Directly contrasting their opponents, the Roos have fallen short in three consecutive matches, failing to continue their form from the start of January.
Sunday provides a battle between the in-form and the formless, as both teams scrap for each remaining point that is on offer in a whirlwind, rollercoaster season.