SOUTH Tamworth might be surprise grand finalists to most after recovering from fifth just over a month ago to reach tomorrow’s decider against Old Boys but it’s no surprise to club president Terry Browne.
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“Old Boys have had a huge season, it’s been great for them,” Browne said.
“They’ve won the War Veterans Cup and the Coal Board Cup, really got their act together the last couple of seasons and done it without poaching players from other clubs.
“I congratulate them.”
He did recognise the fact most other clubs thought South were lucky to make the grand final.
“It’s no surprise to me,” he said.
“We’ve been nowhere near full strength in first or second grade in every game this season. Had half a dozen out in both grades some weeks and second grade nearly made the grand final last week against Old Boys.
“It’s the first time they’ve been near full strength with players back.
“If we can put everyone on the paddock we’d have very good sides”
He knows Old Boys will pose a huge challenge for the South Tamworth side which has batted first and defended smallish totals (143 and 214) against Bective-East and North Tamworth.
“Old Boys are in great form and have some quality players,” he said.
“We also have quality and depth.”
He only has to point towards NSW Country wicketkeeper Tom Groth and NSW Under 19 James Psarakis for starters.
“And we do have the Zone opening bowler (Angus McNeill),” he said.
“Angus has been in great form too. Then their is Ozzie (Troy Osborne). He’s been a real revelation as an allrounder this season.”
Batting in the middle order last weekend Osborne top scored in the batting and then captured some key wickets as well.
This weekend he’s likely to be back opening the batting with the loss of last weekend’s opening batsmen Bryce Natty and Josh Crowe.
They are both attending the wedding of former South top order bat Blake Fitzgerald.
“But Leydo (Nick Leyden) is back.
“He bolsters the top order. And he has had Sydney first grade experience too.
“And it looks like Isaac Dufficy will play too. He was in third grade just eight weeks ago.”
SOUTH TAMWORTH
James Psarakis (capt), Tom Groth, Nick Leyden, Sam McHugh, Angus McNeill, Isaac Dufficy, James Hammond, Troy Osborne, Richard Bullock, James Maltby, Caleb McNeill, Chris Massey.
