FINALS experience will hopefully come to the fore in Gol Gol’s quest to become Sunraysia Cricket Association champions once again.
While the club have been a powerhouse in recent years and regularly featured in semi-finals and grand final, they have won three flags since 2006, their previous one coming two seasons ago.
However, with a group who have been there and done it before, captain-coach Adam Thomson said the squad was relaxed heading into the weekend’s game.
He’s always aware the Swallows’ side they are facing is an improved unit to the one they bested in 2023.
“The boys are pretty relaxed heading in,” Thomson said.
“There’s a few blokes who are pretty experienced when it comes to playing finals and grand finals.
“We beat them two years ago but Irymple, I think, are a stronger side since then, especially with Scott Steel in who obviously has first-class experience.
“Both teams have good depth but I think you saw from the weekend how good their bowling is. They defended 150 pretty comfortably so I’d say it will probably come down to our batting versus their bowling.
“We’re back to full strength which is great, with Shac Thomas and Luke Hickey back into the side last week.
“Luke played really well and was a big factor in us winning, and while Shac was quieter he made it through unscathed with his calf and he’s set for a big game.”
Thomas was the player of the match two seasons ago and looms as the big wicket again after claiming his third Innes Medal during the week.
“Only Mick and Dave Hogarth have won three in club history so he joins some really good company, and I don’t think I’ve seen someone win the batting and bowling average and Innes Medal in the same year,” Thomson said.
Upon his return against Mildura West last week, Hickey took four wickets and new ball partner Matt Cameron three as they tore through the top order, and the duo will play important roles again.
While Thomas and Wade Hancock, who scored 111 not out in the semi-final, are still the main scorers, Thomson said the spread across the batting order has been a big reason for their success this season.
“Wade and Shac has obviously been brilliant but Sheldon Calarco has averaged about 66 in first division this year, Greg Beresi has been solid at the top, Jeremy Barnes can make the quick runs, and Tyson Adamson has had some handy innings as well,” he said.
“We haven’t relied on those couple of main guys. We’ve all been able to contribute.”
SCA Grand Finals
First Division: Gol Gol v Irymple
Alcheringa Oval, 1pm Saturday and Sunday
Second Division: Ouyen Rams v Nursery Ridge
Quandong Park Onion Patch, 1pm Saturday and Sunday
Third Division: Tempy v Mildura Royals
Cardross Recreation Reserve, 1pm Saturday and Sunday
Fourth Division preliminary final: Mildura East Blue v Nichols Point
MSP Oval 2, 1pm Saturday
Fourth Division grand final: South West v Prelim winner
Quandong Park Main Oval, 1pm Sunday
