Weather a concern as Wolllong host Port Kembla in day-night match

Dale’s team claimed a tense three-wicket victory over University last weekend to register their first win of the season. 

Port will face Wollongong at on Saturday in the first Illawarra day-night match since January 2014 and Dale said the team’s excited about the opportunity to play in the match. 

“We can’t wait to get out there,” Dale said. “Especially after the win against Uni last week, all the boys are raring to go. Wollongong are a strong side, but we’ve got a bit of confidence now heading into the match.”

The change in playing conditions throws up a number of obstacles for the two captains, with strategy at night likely to play a key role in determining the outcome of the match.

While Dale believes the team that bats first will hold the advantage, he doesn’t expect the toss will determine the result.

“Personally, I would bat first. A bit later on there might be a bit of dew on the surface which will get our bowlers into the game. In saying that, you always want to bat first at Dalton, it’s such a good wicket, so I don’t think it will have too much of an impact on the game.” 

Wollongong captain Dave Studholme feels it’s the forecast of afternoon and evening rain that will have the biggest impact on Saturday’s game. 

“I don’t think playing at night will have too much of an impact,” Studholme said. “The ball generally swings a bit less at night, but the bigger factor is the rain. We’ll probably look to bat first, depending on the weather conditions. We’ll aim to set a good total and defend it with the ball.

But if it looks like it’s going to be raining, we’ll have a bowl, try to get them out cheaply and get the runs quickly before the rain comes down.”

Dale is hopeful the two teams will play out the full 100 overs, but he agreed the weather will be on his mind when the coin is tossed. 

“If there’s a bit of rain around we’ll look at bowling first,” Dale said. “That way we have a run rate idea in our heads when we bat and we know the targets and where we need to be at certain points in the game.” 

The match marks the second time the two teams have clashed this season, with Wollongong claiming a comfortable 10-wicket victory in round one.

Port Kembla won the toss and opted to bat, however they were bowled out for 163 as Sufian Aziz took four wickets. 

Wollongong made light work of the run chase, reaching the total without loss in just 24.4 overs. Kieran Gray scored 57, while Nathan Loveday reached 86. 

Dale was disappointed with his team’s bowling display and knows they will have to deliver an improved performance on Saturday. 

“They’ve got a strong batting lineup but if we do the little things right, take our catches, bowl consistently and bat well, it will give us the best opportunity to win the game.”

Round seven Saturday 12pm: WESTS v KEIRA at Figtree, CORRIMAL v HELENSBURGH at Ziems, UNIVERSITY v BALGOWNIE at University 1, NORTHERN DISTRICTS v DAPTO at Hollymount.

2.30pm: WOLLONGONG v PORT KEMBLA at North Dalton.

Round six Sunday 2.30pm: EASTERN SUBURBS v ILLAWARRA at Waverley Oval.