Bowling Club is oozing with experience ahead of this Saturday’s Doug Wright Shield Twenty20 decider, and batsman Kurt Johnstone thinks it will benefit his side greatly.
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Johnstone, 17, says playing alongside the likes of his captain Matt Crawley, Berry brothers and Scott Gray allows himself and the younger brigade of cricketers to play their natural games with confidence.
“There’s a lot of experience and a lot of grand finals between them so that’ll help the young guys like me and Tommy Thaux keep our nerves intact,” Johnstone said.
Bowling Club is undefeated completing two dominant victories during the regular rounds.
Johnstone identified his side’s batting power and standard of fielding as Bowling Club’s key to success.
“We have one of the better batting line ups and a pretty strong bowling attack so if we take all our opportunities in a Twenty20 I think we’ll be able to win.”
Bowling Club’s opponents Valleys loom as a serious threat, having qualified for their first grand final in four years.
Captain Jackson Moodie says Valleys tend to play most 40-over games in Twenty20 fashion, making it a simple transition for most of his players to the game’s shortest format.
“It’s how we play,” Moodie said. “A lot of our players like to strike the ball hard so we’ve just gone out and played our natural games and things are paying off, the team’s playing well.”
Moodie, not the regular club captain, has been the green and golds’ stand out, scoring 65 runs and taking eight wickets during two pool games.
“I don’t mind the added pressure, it’s not something I’m used to but keep it coming,” Moodie said before talking about where his team needs to fire on Saturday.
“I think if we take all our chances we have the players their to do it. We’re a very competitive side on our day, we won’t change anything with our batting or bowling.”
He identified Scott Wilson and Dave Hendrson – two players capable of contributing with both bat and ball – as potential match winners.
“Scotty Wilson has been great with both bat and ball and if Dave Henderson gets going he could be a match winner. They’re the two I’d like to see make an impact.”
Doug Wright Shield final will be played from 4pm at Holman Oval this Saturday, following the Matt Morrison Memorial Shield decider between Bowling Club and Canowindra set to begin at 1pm.
