The Old Boys opener will be a key at the top of the order for the Tamworth Colts as they chase a maiden Shield to add to their trophy cabinet.

It’s the first time Tamworth has made the finals and Lole is looking forward to being involved in another finals series.

He’s played in a few Country Cup series and was part of the Tamworth sides that claimed the silverware in 2009 and 2011.

“Anytime you get a chance to play in a semi-final and potentially a final it’s exciting,” he said.

He said he has enjoyed playing with some of the emerging talent the last couple of years and sees a lot of potential in the side.

“We’ve got the ability across the board to do well and hopefully take it out,” he said.

They’ve got a good mix of young players and experienced heads like himself, and skipper Ben Middlebrook.

And players in form.

“Matty Everett’s been batting well, and Ben,” Lole said.

They are the top two on batting averages in the competition, and second and third on batting performances.

“And Harrison Kelly on his day can take a game away in 10 overs,” he said.

He likes the look of the bowling too.

“Will Howard can be a match-winner on his day,” Lole said.

Opening partner Ben Semmler has also been bowling well  and is probably bowling as consistently as he’s seen him.

Then there’s youngsters like Jack Richards.

“I’ve seen a lot of him at club level,” Lole said.

He’s really come on and is getting good flight.

“As they say, you’ve got to beat them in the air before you can beat them on the wicket,” he said.

Another he’s seen a fair bit of is Chris Coulton, who was the hero of the Central North U19s finals success.

“Chriso’s bowling well. He’s come along in leaps and bounds,” Lole said.

Tamworth beat Cessnock by 75 to earn its spot in the final four.

Everett and Middlebrook set it up with centuries each.

Lole couldn’t put his finger on just one thing they’ve been doing well.

“It’s been our allround cricket,” he said.

“We’ve batted well, and bowled well and fielded well.”

When they’ve batted first, they’ve put reasonably big totals on the board.

The game they did bowl first they were chasing under 100.

Tamworth will play Robertson-Burrawang in its semi-final on Monday.