Fifteen-over cricket, however, is a big departure from three-day cricket, which could be a plus for the Broncos.
It took their spearhead Graham Hudson three balls to find his line in last week’s 3 v 4 elimination semi with Auto Tyre Eagles. His fourth ball knocked Eagles captain and opener Matt Crampton over with just six runs on the scoreboard.
The classy Crampton’s dismissal greatly reduced the Eagles’ chances of posting a defendable score. They were dismissed for 94 and the Broncos went on to win by five wickets.
The Broncos have a nice mix of bowlers.
Hudson is the competition’s quickest seamer. Richie Needham and Sam Patterson are reliable in their line and length. Fifteen-year-old Blake Marshall is deceptive and accurate. Travis Mitchell now supplements his out-swing with leg-spin. And Christophers and Arun Kurup are also fair bowling options.
The Broncos beat the Bail-Breakers by one run in November, first-drop Jack Faulkner’s 24 off 30 proving crucial.
In their subsequent meeting in December, Hendrie bludgeoned 111 not out off 54 balls, including five sixes and nine fours, in a five-wicket win.
The Bail-Breakers’ bowling attack also has excellent variety.
Hendrie bowls left-arm pace and has a brilliant Chinaman. Parminder Singh bowls teasing leg-spin. Jimmy Holden, Jacob Colbert, Josiah Turner and Nathan Trowell are quality seamers.
“The key to this game for us is to score runs quickly and everyone needs to contribute in the field,” said Christophers.
“We can’t afford to bowl any wides and we have to get Nic out cheaply.”
The Bail-Breakers are favoured to win but the gap between team No.1 and team No.3 can be closed by cricket nous.
“It will be a good game tonight,” said Hendrie. “Hopefully, we get over the line.”
The winners will meet the Glen Udall-led Bollywood Stars in the grand final on Friday, March 15.
Tonight’s game starts at 5.15pm on the No.2 ground.
