WITH only three weeks left to play in Tamworth District first grade, only two things are certain: ladder leading Old Boys will play finals and City United will not while every position in between is still up for grabs.
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Bective are currently sitting in fourth but took a huge psychological step last Friday night when they beat Old Boys in the One Day final, with the Bulls’ sights firmly set on charging into the two-day finals now.
Bective skipper Adam Jones said it wasn’t too difficult to keep the side focused on the bigger picture after winning the final.
“We stayed at the ground after the game for a while,” Jones said.
“We enjoyed the win but left it there and have moved on to the two-day title.”
“There is less than a big win between second and fifth so it is going to be a really tight finish.”
The Bulls had to back Friday night’s win up on Saturday in what was the first day of a must-win two-dayer for the two sides currently sitting in fourth and fifth.
The Redbacks were on top early, with Bective at 6-61 at one stage before Matt Everett and James Bellamy put on a big partnership to lift the side to be all out for 185 at the end of play.
“It gives us something to bowl at next week,” Jones said.
Jones won the toss and chose to bat first, with batsmen Jye Paterson, Tyson Rennie and Toby Whale all off to play Bradman Cup this weekend.
“We were lucky to win the toss but would have liked a few more,” Jones said.
“The good thing is we showed a lot of grit to set a good total on a tough wicket after being 6-61.”
Jones hopes that the one-day win can translate into some good momentum to hit the two-day finals.
“It was great for the young guys to beat Old Boys and know that we can do it again,” Jones said.
The skipper said the young side was still improving, as is the team, proven when the tail put on 125 runs last Saturday after the early collapse.
North Tamworth will be desperate to put up a big show today, with a loss possibly spelling disaster for the fifth- placed side heading into a final -round clash with second- placed West Tamworth next week.
West might need a last- round victory as well, resuming today at 6-49 chasing Old Boys’ 150, while third-placed South Tamworth are also on the ropes against City, resuming at 7-80 chasing 135.
“It has been one of the closest seasons for a long time,” Jones said.
“There are no easy matches. We just have to be up for it on the day.”