NICHOLS Point hope to prove that the sequel is better, for them, than the original.
After almost a decade of development since joining the competition, the Pointers reached their maiden Sunraysia Cricket Association first division finals series, only to go down to Irymple by 12 runs in the semi-final.
Fast forward a year and the two sides collide again to earn a place in the grand final, however, this time it will be at Nichols Point Reserve.
Coach Luke Coates admitted he expected this season to potentially be a blip on the radar after losing experienced batsmen Kaushik Aphale, their all-time leading scorer, and Leigh Thomson-Matthews.
However with further development of their emerging stars, another superb season from all-rounder Shannon Bowen and English import Archie Walker joining post-Christmas, they managed their first-ever top two finish.
“It’s a good feeling to have a home semi final. It’s great for the club and especially those behind the scenes who have been part of it from the start of the transition into the SCA,” Coates said.
“Last year didn’t quite go our way but it was a pretty solid contest, and we’re expecting another one this time.
“But with the impact Riley Jobson has made, having Shannon go around again and Shaun Mathews performing well, guys like Nick Blacker taking a step up, bringing in Archie Walker and the natural development some the group that had been here, we’ve been able to build upon that.
“There’s a real camaraderie about this side, and I think it just shows if you keep the faith with the junior program that so many people have worked on for a long time, the rewards can come.”
While the top four from their final round victory were all teenagers in Blacker, Lewis Dichiera, Colby Marr and Jobson, experienced players Dale Chappell and Dean Fulco down the order have added significant batting depth.
Both are in the top three first division run scorers in club history, but have been solid down the order, Fulco especially who has scored 313 runs at a 62.6 average.
“We say we bat down to 11, like every club probably does, but we’re really confident in the guys down the order,” Coates said.
“Dean and Dale have been really important in that aspect, giving us some real depth.”
With reigning Innes medal winner Mark Thomson, all-rounder Bryson Lush and fast bowling vice-captain Billy Phelan leading the way, Irymple still pose a huge threat to Nichols Point’s grand final ambitions.
Both teams possess a solid spread of run scorers and wicket-takers, so Coates believes the one-percenters will prove important.
“I reckon it will be won and lost in the field for either team,” he said.
“If you let some of those shots through and allow the opposition extra runs, it can hurt you in a final.
“We’re fortunate that we’re a reasonably young side so we’re pretty quick in field and have solid hands, so if we can keep that up, hopefully we can build that pressure.”
Nichols Point and Irymple play at Nichols Point Reserve, starting at 1pm Saturday and Sunday.
Nichols Point and Irymple
Head-to-head
Round 9 – One-day game
Nichols Point def Irymple by nine wickets
Irymple 9/139 (40). Bryson Lush 53. Shannon Bowen 3/22.
Nichols Point 1/140 (29.2). Nick Blacker 75 not out, Shaun Mathews 31.
Round 4 – Two-day game
Nichols Point def Irymple by 70 runs
Nichols Point 230 (71.3). Riley Jobson 99, Dean Fulco 47 not out. Billy Phelan 3/43.
Irymple 160 (44.5). Jarrad Armsden 50 not out, Daniel Frasca 40. Luke Coates 4/25.
Nichols Point top performers
Runs: Shannon Bowen – 595, Nick Blacker – 515, Shaun Mathews – 412 runs
Wickets: Shannon Bowen -19, Luke Coates – 18, Shaun Mathews – 16
Irymple top performers
Runs: Mark Thomson – 547, Bryson Lush – 353, David Filippi – 310
Wickets: Billy Phelan – 28, Bryson Lush 21, Bailey Anderson 18
