Leagues and Hanwood face off in GDCA First grade decider

Hanwood has the form heading into the final, having not lost a game since Christmas and already have one piece of silverware in the cabinet while the Panthers finished the season as minor premiers.

For Hanwood, if they were to pick up the trophy on Sunday afternoon, it would be the first time since 2003/04 that they have held the premiership, and on that day, they beat Diggers, who were minor premiers.

Hanwood captain Charlie Cunial said it would be a great moment for the club if they were able to do the double this season.

"To get two from two would be amazing after not doing it for so long," he said.

"Everyone was so excited about the one-dayer, but everyone wants to win the two-dayer, and if we were able to win it, it would mean a lot to the club."

The batting from the Hanwood side has been the real strength this year, and Cunial knows it will have to be at the top of their game again this weekend.

"We have just been talking with the bat mainly," he said.

"If we can put a decent score on the board, I think we should be able to defend it. Having Jack (Rowston) score 50 not out against these boys last time will give him confidence but everyone around the club is really up and about at the moment."

RELATED

The Panthers won two in a row in 2015/16 and 2016/17, but it will be their first decider appearance since then.

Binks feels his side have a good mix of experience and youth when it comes to finals.

"At this stage, only half the team have probably played a grand final, and the others are probably a bit green to it," he said.

"There are a few blokes who will be able to lead from the front, and the keenness of the kids who haven't played will be great."

The Panthers will be without veteran Paul Plummer who reinjured his hamstring against Diggers last weekend, but Binks said while it will be a loss, the bowlers should take confidence in their performance without Plummer.

"It is a shame, but it was also good that we didn't have to rely on him at all on the weekend," he said.

"To bowl so well and roll them (Diggers) for 95. He is a massive part of our side, but it is great to know that the young blokes like Tommy (Greenaway), Dan (Hillam) and Noah (Gaske) can bowl out a first-grade side."

The loss of Plummer will see Raj Singh return to the side, and Binks was pleased to have him at his disposal.

Day one will get underway at 1.30pm on Saturday.

***

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: