Flames skipper Dale Scifleet says Illawarra has a side good enough to beat Newcastle Blasters but need a break in the weather ahead of Sunday’s Regional Bash at North Dalton Park.
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All Illawarra turf matches have been called off on Saturday but Illawarra officials remain hopeful that with no more rain Wollongong City Council can prepare a wicket on Sunday, with no provision for the T20 game to be rescheduled.
With Illawarra listed as the home side the tournament rules declare the away team as the winner in the event of a washout.
Scifleet is hoping the weather stays dry giving both clubs a fair crack at making next month’s Bash finals at the SCG.
‘‘It would be a waste not to get on,’’ Scifleet said.
‘‘No-one wants a washout. Saturday cricket is off and we just have to keep our fingers crossed and hope for the best.’’
Illawarra have been forced into three changes with their marquee players Kyle Brockley (Sutherland), plus round one skipper Dan Constable (Campbelltown) and clubmate Tylar Edwards unavailable for round two due to Sydney Grade commitments.
But Scifleet says Helensburgh’s Mitch McCrae and Nathan Marciante are more than able replacements.
‘‘Kyle bowled a great spell against Central Coast but we’ve covered the marquee guys well.
‘‘Mitch is a good player and Nathan is in great nick making a century last weekend so they’re terrific guys to come in.
‘‘I think Newcastle may have a fairly young side and we’re pretty experienced. Our experience might give us an edge; it’s just a matter of the game going ahead.’’
Sunday’s T20 has a 2pm start.
Meanwhile, South Coast Crew are also just a win away from the SCG Finals after a great win over ACT Aces and face Orana Outlaws in Dubbo next Friday night.
The Crew includes South Coast players Mark Ulcigrai, Michael Arblaster, Ben Mitchell and Charlie Dummer and will gather in Sydney next Friday before flying to Dubbo for the game.
The Crew have a side capable of winning the tournament and include top Sydney grade batsmen Phillip Wells and Kerrod White, plus talented brothers Joel and Kieran Gray.
Illawarra squad: Dale Scifleet (capt, Dapto), Mitch McCrae (Helensburgh), Hayden McCrae (Burgh), Nathan Marciante (Burgh), Kendrick Hatton (Dapto), Jackson Stewart (Nth Districts), Matt Ward (Burgh), Lachlan Dunn (Northern Districts), Pat Hammond (Dapto), Michael Stephenson (Balgownie), Jamie Fleming (Balgownie), Matt Skora ( Port Kembla).
