SOUTH Coast face one of its biggest challenges in years to remain the top association in Southern Zone and claim a fifth straight Burns Cup title this weekend.
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South Coast have generally been untroubled in winning the annual Cup competition also featuring South East, Goulburn-Highlands and Shoalhaven associations.
But a host of key players have either left South Coast or are unavailable including Kieran Gray, Michael Arblaster, Ben Mitchell and Kerrod White.
Arblaster smashed an unbeaten 132 and Gray 122 in an opening wicket stand of 220 in the thumping win over Goulburn-Highlands in last year’s Burns Cup final.
South Coast will still start favourites but only Matt O’Brien and co-captain Brendan White are part of this year’s squad from the side which won the Cup 12 months ago.
With no South Coast Premier League competition this weekend, an experienced side led by co-captains White and Scott Cox will take on South East at Bradman Oval.
In the other match Goulburn/Highlands face Shoalhaven at Lackey Park in Moss Vale.
The winners qualify for Sunday’s Cup final, with the beaten teams to play for the Southern Zone Shield.
The South Coast squad for Saturday includes four players from competition leaders Lake Illawarra - White, Dave Lambert and brothers Mark and Scott Ulcigrai.
Premiers Albion Park and Shellharbour do not have a player in the South Coast squad, while Lachlan Hall and Tim Goodall - who play for second tier clubs Gerringong and The Rail - are part of the squad.
Oak Flats skipper Ryan Chatterton and clubmate Nathan Brown are available for Sunday’s match.
The South Coast squad is: Dave Lambert (Lakers), Brendan White (Lakers), Mark Ulcigrai (Lakers), Scott Ulcigrai (Lakers), Mick Perry (Kookas), Scott Cox (Kookas), Darren Mansfield (Oak Flats), Ryan Chatterton (Oak Flats), Nathan Brown (Oak Flats), Nathan Barr (Kiama), Ben King Gee (Kiama), Matt O’Brien (Kiama), Lachlan Hall (Gerringong), Tim Goodall (The Rail).
BURNS CUP
SATURDAY
South Coast v South East at Bradman Oval
Goulburn-Highlands v Shoalhaven at Lackey Park