TAMWORTH Second XI are only two games away from playing in the Country Shield final.
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They take on unknown rivals Brisbane Waters in Singleton on Sunday, and if they win will be off to Cowra after Christmas to play in the semi final and hopefully final.
Captain Matt Everett said whilst he doesn’t know anything about the Central Coast side he has full confidence in his line up.
With such a strong first grade side this year the seconds are equally brimming with young talent.
Selector Adam Jones said Tamworth has been very fortunate with depth this year.
“There is a core of 17 or 18 players that could all play in the top grade,” Jones said.
“The seconds are a very handy side who should do well.” Everitt will miss the services of strike bowler Jack McVey.
McVey has been called up into the top grade to replace Aaron Hazlewood who has work commitments.
Although young gun Will Howard will return to the side after missing last weekends win against Gunnedah.
Howard took 3-18 in an electric spell on Saturday for Old Boys.
“It is great to have Will and his extra pace back,” Everitt said.
“We missed him against Gunnedah and that is why they managed to bat the 50 overs.”
Howard will open the bowling with young Wests opener Deklan Baker.
“Deklan ties up an end with his outswingers and lets us attack at the other end,” Everett said.
“It would be nice to have the pace of Jack (McVey) but we still have a top attack.”
“Batting is where our real strength is though.”
Just like the top grade the second XI have very strong and sometimes explosive opening bats with Adam Lole and James Haling.
“Loley has scored three centuries already this season.”
“He has got a lot of experience and has already proven himself in rep cricket this year.”
Combined with Bective’s James Haling the pair can set a good platform for the rest of the side.
“We need one of the top five to get a big score and the rest to chip in,” Everett said.
“We missed out on the finals last year after a bit of a shambles.”
“The side is ready to have a really good crack at it this year.”
“I know we can get the job done with this side and get to Cowra.”
