Eastern Suburbs will try to put to rest the demons of last season’s Maitland first grade semi-final when they take on a Northern Suburbs outfit minus strike bowler Mitch Field.
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The Griffins were beaten outright by eventual premiers Norths in last summer’s top-four showdown despite leading on the first innings and they meet for the first time since in a two-day fixture at Lorn Park.
Field took 13 wickets in that match and the Griffins’ tormentor will be unavailable for Norths after saving his side from the brink of defeat last week with a starring all-round contribution of 6-13 and 69 against Thornton.
Field will be overseas for the next month, which leaves last season’s district leading wicket taker Lincoln Mills to shoulder the load for Norths in his absence.
It will come as a welcome relief for Easts, who will go into match at full strength.
The Griffins bowling attack has young guns Pat Magann and Lucas Sargent leading the way with experienced opener Dallas Crane always a handful. Josh Hicks, Sean Clune, Brendan Allen and skipper Andrew Vickery can add variety.
Easts had competition favourites City United 9-162 in the opening round before a district record last-wicket stand of 113 changed the game.
Easts eventually fell 132 runs short and will be keen to bounce back after having last week off with the bye.
Norths will be out to maintain their unbeaten start to 2014-2015 campaign after recording a win against Thornton and an outright victory over Raymond Terrace in the opening two rounds.
In other third round fixtures City host Raymond Terrace at Robins Oval and Kurri Weston are at home to Thornton.
Matches start at 12.30pm.
Western Suburbs have the bye.