MANILLA'S Imperials Cricket Club has to overcome a NSW Speedblitz Blues side containing Australian fast bowler Brett Lee if it is to add to a six-game winning streak at North Sydney Oval today.
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Winning number seven appears to be long odds after one of the world's quickest bowlers was confirmed as one of the starters. Lee, NSW captain Brad Haddin and former Test bowler Nathan Bracken will spearhead the Blues in the special 35 over-a-side game.
Imperials, who head the Manilla cricket competition, won the game via an on-line internet competition run by the RTA.
The club has enjoyed days out at One Day Internationals as part of its prize.
Today it hits the field against a strong NSW squad.
"I'm sure the Manilla boys are looking forward to facing Brett Lee," NSW Country Cricket executive officer John Sullivan said.
"It's going to be a great game, a lot of fun for everyone."
The Blues have handed Imperials a little advantage.
"We're allowed to play 15," Imperials skipper Jacob Hawley said enroute to Sydney
yesterday.
"It's the game of a lifetime for us. The whole bus is buzzing."
The Imperials have been preparing for the game with special net sessions.
They have also enlisted the help of three "ring-ins", Tamworth Old Boys keeper Mal Collier, Attunga's Craig Court and Manilla RSL's Lucas Chan.
The Manilla side was told Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee were going to be at the game but not playing. However, Lee has since been named in the side.
"We don't care who we play. We're on a six-game winning streak," Hawley said.
In total the Imperials have about 45 players and supporters in Sydney for the game.
They also hope to get 14-year-old Jake Hawkins a run as well. Hawkins has been one of the young stars for not only Imperials but the Manilla district side this season.
However, one of the stipulations of the RTA contest was eligible players had to have a driver's licence.
MANILLA IMPERIALS (likely batting order): Mal Collier (Tamworth Old Boys), Daniel Lockrey, Richard Ingram, Jodi Ihle, Brock Hawley, Jacob Hawley (captain), Craig Court (Attunga), Andy Morris, Ben Ruttley, Michael Burke, Lucas Chan (RSL), Stuart Lockrey, Craig McAdam, Heidi Cederblad, Roger Chaffey. Coach – Graeme Cederblad, manager – Natasha Ingram.
NSW SPEEDBLITZ BLUES: Brad Haddin (capt), Nathan Bracken, Stuart Clark, Ed Cowan, Phil Jaques, Jason Krejza, Brett Lee, Doug Bollinger, Grant lambert, James Packman, Matthew Phelps, Paul Willoughby (RTA).
