THE freedom of no expectations could be a catalyst for Mildura East as they face the might of Gol Gol in their SCA semi-final this weekend.
Qualifying for the first division finals for the first time since 2018, Josh Berry’s side know the pressure is on the reigning premiers to get the job done and it could work in their favour.
Gol Gol have lost just two games across the past two seasons, and combating a strong batting order led by Wade Hancock, Shac Thomas and Aidan Calaraco, and an even bowling unit which has six players in double figures for wickets, will be a tough ask for East.
Berry, however, said his squad are happy to play the role of underdogs.
“Obviously we face a huge test against Gol Gol, who have been the powerhouse of the competition,” he said.
“There’s no expectations on us, we see this as a real opportunity to take on the best team in it and I believe our best cricket stacks up with the rest of the top four sides.
“No doubt they’re expected to go on to the grand final so in a way, we get a bit of a free crack at it.
“It’s been a bit of a drought for our first division side but everyone is over the moon we’ve been able to get back there again.”
Veterans Brad Thomas, Tom Vadlja, Andrew Ross and Ryan Muir have been superb all season, while up-and-comers like Jayden Hunt and English recruits Josh Bowyer and Josh Andrews have found real consistency at the top of the order.
Berry believes there is a strength in the depth the first XI has built over the past few campaigns.
“We’ve been adding to our list each season and after our last finals appearance, we hit the point where we probably needed to rebuild,” he said.
“Bringing someone like Nick Dorman in, we got Brad Thomas come back from Nichols Point and our two Englishmen have been very, very good and consistent performers for us.
“It doesn’t feel like we’re carrying anyone this year, all 11 players can make an impact on the game.
“We identified we probably needed another senior fast bowler who could work with our upcoming crop like Nick Dorman and Jayden and Zane Hunt, and Ryan (Muir) fit the mould.
“He’s an experienced bowler who has taken plenty of wickets, and honestly he probably exceeded our expectations, we didn’t anticipate he’d be our second best wicket taker.”
Berry said the entire squad continues to marvel at Vadlja, with the ageless all-rounder and seven-time Innes Medal winner continuing to play outstanding cricket.
“Personally, I’m just making sure to remember to enjoy playing alongside Tom, and I think we all know if we don’t enjoy that now, we’ll kick ourselves later on,” he said.
“What he can still do at his age and he’s a special character, not just in terms of batting and bowling, but his thoughts, passion and drive for the game.”
Play between Gol Gol and Mildura East at Alcheringa Oval begins at 1pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Gol Gol and Mildura East
Head-to-head
Round 9 – One-day game
Gol Gol def Mildura East by 12 runs
Gol Gol 7/192 (40). Shac Thomas 43, Tyson Adamson 39 not out.
Mildura East 180 (39.5). Brad Thomas 50. Sheldon Calarco 3/24.
Round 4 – Two-day game
Gol Gol def Mildura East by 110 runs
Gol Gol 282 (68.2). Tyson Adamson 67, Aidan Calarco 61. Nick Dorman 3/60.
Mildura East 172 (59.2). Josh Andrews 59. Shac Thomas 5/35, Matt Cameron 3/44.
Gol Gol top performers
Runs: Wade Hancock – 869, Shac Thomas – 755, Aidan Calaraco – 419
Wickets: Shac Thomas – 29, Jayden Brooks – 17, Callan Hickey – 16
Mildura East top performers
Runs: Brad Thomas – 547, Tom Vadlja – 486, Josh Andrews – 368
Wickets: Andrew Ross – 24, Ryan Muir – 22, Jayden Hunt – 21
