The Central Coast will be hoping to taste success for the first time when a representative team takes on Newcastle in the final of the McDonalds Country Cricket NSW Men’s Country Cricket Final on Sunday, December 11.
While the Central Coast has yet to hold win the Country Championship trophy, Newcastle has won it a record 18 times including for the past three years.
Central Coast has reached the final match on four occasions in the last eight years.
This year the Coast team reached the finals by taking the Pool in Orange a fortnight ago.
The team will welcome back star all-rounder Simon Keen for the final – his experience and strength through the middle order with bat as well as with the ball will be an added bonus.
Jake Hardy was a standout in Orange with the bat averaging 112.
He will receive excellent support from skipper Broc Hardy who has been in outstanding form this season, Brett Russell, Callum Rainger and Tom Owen providing strength through the middle order and Harry Woodhead.
Central Coast’s strength is undoubtedly with the ball.
Opening bowlers Alex Patterson and Scott Burkinshaw will have an important role to play and if they can get some early wickets Newcastle’s middle order will be exposed to the Central Coast’s main threat, their left arm spin cartel.
Veteran Chris Archer has been a standout performer at this level for more than 10 years and Newcastle will look to dominate him.
This year Archer has a very accomplished partner in Conner Haddow.
The English native has excellent credentials and was a standout in Orange, taking 11 wickets including 7/24 in the final match against ACT.
Youngster Tom Owen rounds out the cartel.
The match begins at 10am at Newcastle No 1 Sportsground and can be watched live via the MyCricket App (Central Coast Cricket Zone).
Source:
Media release, Dec 7
Central Coast Cricket