THE Narrandera Carpheads will be hoping to retain the LDCA two-day shield this weekend, while their opponents will be hoping to snatch victory away from them.
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The L&D CC won through to the two-day grand final last weekend after defeating the Yanco Cougars.
The Ferrets will be hoping to secure their first LDCA A grade two-day title.
Ferrets captain Sam Alampi was expecting a tough match.
“We’ve beaten them a couple of times this year … I would say both teams deserve to be there, so it’s going to be a very competitive game,” he said.
“Obviously we will need to play at our best to beat them.”
L&D CC will be without Chris Cox who was suspended following an incident at last weekend’s game.
However, the Ferrets will welcome all-rounder Reece Maguire back into the side.
The Carpheads have enjoyed a week off in the lead up to the big dance, with senior player Brent Lawrence hopeful the break was a positive.
“It’s given us a chance to focus on the final at training and spend more time getting prepared,” he said.
“I’m expecting a very competitive game. We will have to give 110 per cent if we are going to win.”
Both captains were reluctant to single out players that would need to step up in the final.
“It’s definitely got to be an all-round effort from the whole team,” Lawrence said.
“While certain players will stand out in a game, you don’t win these types of matches on individual brilliance.
“We’ve got the finals experience, so hopefully it pays off for us again this time.”
Alampi said his side would need to be put on a decent total when batting.
“I think we have a strong side,” he said.
What we will need to do is value our wicket and build partnerships when we are out in the middle,” Alampi said.
“Those partnerships are what is crucial. Last week I think we were 3/27 and it was partnerships that got us out of the hole. Whether we bat or bowl first we will need to make sure we get off to a good start.
“If we don’t give it our best then obviously we can’t expect to win.”
Lawrence said his side was looking forward to the challenge.
“The boys are pretty excited to be in the final again,” he said.
“It’s what we work towards all year. Now all we need to do is execute everything well and hopefully come away with the win.”
The two-day final will kick off at Mark Taylor Oval at 1pm on Saturday.