Kurri Weston will be looking to continue their unbeaten run in the Maitland and District Cricket Association competition this weekend.
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But the ladder leaders will have to surpass a strong total set by second-placed Eastern Suburbs last Saturday at East Maitland Park.
On a small field, the home side compiled 272 runs, which included three strong half-centuries from Andrew Vickery (64), Brendan Allen (52) and Chris Walker (50).
But Easts skipper Vickery said the team would need to restrict Kurri-Weston’s scoring rate and take every chance in the field that they can.
“I’m confident we’ve got enough but we still need to bowl really well,” he said.
Easts will be assisted by the injection of medium-pace bowler Josh Hicks and left-arm off-spinner Cal Sargent.
Kurri-Weston won’t be at full strength, but skipper Michael Heinrich said it was no excuse not to perform.
“There’s enough people there to do the job,” he said.
Tim Harding will be back for the away side, while Simon Marshall and Justin Kavanagh will both be out.
Heinrich said on a fast-scoring field, the team has the ability to reach the target.
“On this field, the run-rate should never come into it,” he said.
“We’ve just got to be disciplined and show these guys a lot of respect, they’re second for a reason.”
The win would be very beneficial for both teams.
Heinrich said it would be a great advantage to go into Christmas undefeated.
He said they have played well so far this season, but believed the team had room to improve in the new year.
“After Christmas every team will want a piece of us,” he said.
Success for Eastern Suburbs would close the gap at the top of the ladder and create some space above third place.
But a loss for Easts could see them relinquish their top two spot.
“It’s pretty important to win this one," Vickery said.
It’s pretty important to win this one.
- Andrew Vickery
Raymond Terrace had a good start last week chasing Thornton Park’s total of 9/157 at Jack Collins Oval.
They will resume at 0/22 after facing seven overs on Saturday, with Shannon Bills on 12 no and Brandon Smith on 9 no.
Western Suburbs will start their innings against Northern Suburbs on Saturday at Lorn Park.
The home side posted a total of 267, including a great knock of 95 from captain Michael Wilson.
Sage Swinton
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
Sage Swinton is a news reporter who was born and bred in the Hunter. She has been with the Newcastle Herald since June 2020, and covers Newcastle council as well as other general news.
