CTPL - Kookaburra Cup Final Preview
University has the opportunity to win its first Kookaburra Cup in four years as they take on New Town at Ninja Stadium on Sunday, in what promises to be a final for the ages.
The Lions will be without the plethora of state-contracted players they often have at their disposal, again having to trust their youth.
Having fielded nine under-22 players in last weekends washed out semi-final, coach Ben Hilfenhaus has no doubts over their ability to perform when it counts.
“We’ve played our cricket with absolute freedom,” he said.
“I can’t see why the young guys would play any other way to be honest.
“Hopefully they absorb the finals pressure and stand up.
“Obviously, we need our more experienced players to help lead the way it that situation as well.
“I think we’ve got a pretty good mix of youth and experience.”
Hilfenhaus is not downplaying what it means to have the opportunity to play in a grand final.
“It’s obviously very exciting,” he said.
“It’s a good sign that everyone is chipping in and doing their role and the strength of the club at the moment.
“We’re itching out of our skins to get there.
“I think we’re shaping up alright.”
University comes into the match in strong form, having won five in a row since its loss to Kingborough in round one.
Both Nikethan Radhakrishnan [101 off 104 balls] and captain Param Uppal [103 off 164 balls] scored centuries last weekend for the Lions, highlighting the Lions’ recent excellence.
New Town has won its last three games, also bringing strong form into the matchup.
Last season, New Town defeated University in a T20, before the Lions evened the scores by winning as 2-day match later in the campaign.
A one-day match has not been played between the two sides since 2022-23, in which University won by 8-wickets.
The two sides are yet to play each other this season.
Uni will also take on Clarence in the second day of last week’s 2-dayer on Saturday.
Clarence will resume play at 0-8, chasing a total of 237.
Openers Connor O’Brien and Caiden Workman will continue at the crease.
New Town face an uphill battle against North Hobart, with the Bucks languishing at 5-91 in pursuit of 202.
All-rounder Jesse Willmott is 34 not out and will be key in any potential New Town resurgence.
South Hobart-Sandy Bay will look for a few lower-order runs as they resume at 8-292 against Glenorchy.
The Magpies will be in for an almighty chase at KGV Oval but will be encouraged by their score of 273 in a one-day match against grand finalists University just two weeks ago.
Kingborough will be smelling blood in the water as they look to defend 246 against Lindisfarne.
The Lightning are 2-26, having lost both openers inside the first 15 overs.
A pair of T20 matches will take place in the women’s competition on Sunday as the race for the grand final heats up.
North Hobart host New Town in a crucial clash that may decide the future of both clubs’ seasons.
The Demons hold the advantage over the Bucks so far in 2024-25, winning two of the three games between both sides.
Greater Northern’s slim lead in the table will be under threat as they face a hungry Clarence at Kangaroo Bay.
Clarence remains winless this season, but will be looking for retribution against the Raiders, having lost three straight against the team from the north of the state.
