KEY MAN: OBR batsman Carl Carmody. Pictures by Paul Rickard
FORMER Poverty Bay batsman Carl Carmody roared with laughter when it was put to him that he could be the man who stops Pirates from winning their third successive Doleman Cup cricket final, at Harry Barker Reserve tomorrow.
“I’ve only been back in the district for a few weeks and before that hadn’t played cricket for four years,” said the 27-year, who scored 44 for Landmark Homes Bain Construction OBR in their semifinal win against Tamarind High School Old boys.
“I’m just happy to be back playing with mates I played with before going to Hamilton and then Australia. It would be great to help the boys win the Doleman Cup but if we do, it won’t be because of me. Pirates are a good all-round team.
“They’ve got a good varied bowling attack. Poverty Bay skipper Mitchell Turner, his rep teammate Dane Thompson, Aku Smith, Luke Hayes, Richie Needham, and Brad Reynolds.
“Richie’s brother Tom is also handy with the bat.”
OBR club captain Ian Loffler, who has recovered from a hamstring strain, agreed with Carmody.
“We need a few players to step up on the day and the rest of the boys to work hard for each other,” said Loffler, who was one of eight players in the OBR side who lost to Pirates with three balls to spare in last year’s final. OBR will not have Zane Boyle, who scored 30 runs and took three wickets for 27 runs last week, and Matt Henwood.
“They both had prior engagements, but having Carmo (Carmody) back and Nick Greeks available this week is a boost. But Pirates are still favourites. They’ve won the cup for the past two years.
“It’s always good to have finals experience going into a final, but we won’t be changing much in our build-up. Early wickets will be crucial from both teams to apply pressure.
“Batting partnerships at the top of the order are essential, seeing off the new-ball bowlers . . . nothing new there.”
Kevin Hollis Glass Pirates a good all-round teamLoffler also agreed with Carmody about Kevin Hollis Glass Pirates being a good all-round team.
“They’ve got a good balance in their team, but Dane Thompson and Tom Needham are probably key wickets for us. And with Dane and Mitch (Turner) bowling, they must rate their chances. Chewy (Aku Smith) has a never-say-die attitude.
“Brad (Reynolds) is a good club guy who will look to hit the ball hard.”
Turner said the past two years counted for nothing going into tomorrow’s final.
“It’s a massive game and one we really want,” said Turner.
“OBR are a very good unit. They bat nearly all the way down, bowl in good areas and are among the best fielding sides. This shorter form suits them so it will be a good battle.
“We have had a good spread of performances this season, which is great to see. Richie Needham and Brad Reynolds have really stepped up so far this season.
“As it’s a final, anything could happen. We can’t wait to get out there.”
While Turner, Thompson and the Needhams tend to grab the headlines for Pirates, Reynolds is the man who fires them up, with bat, ball and enthusiasm.
The vice-captain is the type of player every team needs: totally committed and fiercely competitive.