ONE of Tamworth’s most improved cricketers and strike weapon Jack McVey believes the Tamworth side is perfectly poised to retain the Coal Board Cup tomorrow against Maitland.
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McVey has been in top form this season which resulted in selection for the Northern NSW Emus side for a tour of New Zealand.
That tour saw him take an impressive 16 wickets in seven games.
Even though that tour meant he could not play in the SCG Country Cup final against Hamilton-Wickham, the road to that final is regarded as the highlight of his season.
“We played a lot of good games in the lead-up to that final and got ourselves out of a tough spot once or twice,” McVey said.
“Everyone stood up and pulled together to win.”
The speedster has also starred for City United this season, at times keeping their head above water and in the hunt during a tough year for the club.
The first change quick said tomorrow’s game against Maitland would be no different.
“We have such a stable and well-balanced side that we can win games with both our bowling or batting if we need to.”
On Tamworth’s way to the War Veterans Cup victory, McVey destroyed Narrabri in one innings, taking 7-21, before playing a key role in the final against Armidale a fortnight ago with figures of 3-26.
“I have had a pretty successful season but it is easy when I have such a good team behind me,” McVey said.
“By the time I come on to bowl, (Col) Smythy and Angus (McNeill) have already done the damage.”
The trio have terrorised opponents this season, either bowling them out, rattling them with short stuff, or drying up the runs.
Selector Adam Jones said it had been a perfect combination this season that had won the team a lot of games.
“By the time those guys have finished there hasn’t been much for the batsmen to do,” Jones said.
McVey believes that Tamworth’s success this season is not just the result of a well-balanced side but also good leadership and simple game plans.
“We have normally got the game wrapped up early, with either our opening bowlers taking wickets or opening batsmen getting big runs,” McVey said.
“We play aggressively and that won’t change on Sunday.”
“Beating Maitland and winning the Cup will be a great way to finish a great season for me and the team.”
The cup pits the WVC winners against the Hunter’s John Bull Shield winners each year.
Tamworth still holds the Cup after beating Cessnock in 2011, with two years off washouts meaning it has not been contested since then.
