TAMWORTH 2nd XI (Blue) will head to Moree on Sunday for the first round of the MA Connolly Cup as both sides prepare to deal with each others pace batteries on a synthetic wicket.
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With Moree’s only turf wicket out of action and a bit of rain around there was no choice but to take the game to synthetic, although Tamworth selector Chris Paterson expects both sides to face the same challenges on the flat and bouncy surface.
“They have got Chris Holland who is pretty quick so it should be interesting and there will be a fair bit of bounce,” Paterson said.
“But they have to face Lachie Davidson who will also be able to get a lot of bounce and pace as well."
“It should be very interesting.”
Fortunately for Tamworth rising star and express bowler Paddy Montgomery won’t be taking the field for the home side as he is away o representative duties, although the visitors will also have at least five up and comers out as well, on duty with Central North U17s playing Western in Dubbo this weekend.
While the likes of Jye Paterson, AJ Pretorious, Caleb McNeill, Tyson Rennie and Toby Whale missing they will have a few players that are in the first XI mix to replace them.
Brad Smith has been enjoying his first season at City United and will add plenty to the top order and in leadership after debuting for Tamworth against Maitland in the Country Cup last Sunday, while Davidson and Dan Collison are certainties to cause problems with the ball.
Tamworth also boasts three English imports with North Tamworth keeper batsmen Liam Cameron, fellow Redback big hitting first change bowler Josh Dawson and City United leg spinner Dave Brannan.
“The three poms in the team are great additions and should be interesting to watch as well,” Paterson said.
“We are taking three spinners with Brannan, Tim Unwin and Dan Collison.”
Collison is the leading wicket taker in the district after starring for Wests early in the season and was also rewarded with a call up to the top squad for last weeks Cup win.
“We have named a pretty good side and I am fairly confident we can get the win,” Paterson said.
“It should be a good game.”
In other matches Glen Innes will host Gwydir while Gunnedah 2nd XI will travel to meet Armidale 2nd XI, and Quirindi have the bye.
District cricketers are also hoping to get a run this weekend after rain washed out last weeks first day of the opening two day matches of the season.
The teams will play a one day format with two day points on offer this week as the Bective Bulls look to remain the only unbeaten side as they take on Souths at Riverside 1, while City and Old Boys do battle at Riverside 2 and Norths face Wests at No 1.
Tamworth 2nd XI team to play Moree:
Brad Smith, Liam Cameron, Tom Fitzgerald, Lachlan Fauchon, Harrison Frear, Chris Paterson, Josh Dawson, Lachlan Davidson, Tait Jordan, Dan Collison, Dave Brannan, Tim Unwin.
