Pirates target early wickets for trophy glory

Eastern Pirates face up against fierce rivals GM Painters Lake Taupo CC 2nd Xl in the pre-Christmas trophy final. PHOTO/ SUPPLIED

The Rotorua cricket community is all set for a thrilling pre-Christmas trophy final.

Local side Eastern Pirates face fierce rivals GM Painters Lake Taupo CC 2nd Xl at Ray Boord Park tomorrow. Pirates go into the game on a high after beating Taupo Old Boys by 79 runs in the semifinals last weekend, and fielding with just 10 players.

But Pirates' only loss this season was against tomorrow's opposition two rounds ago - as they fell to a narrow 34-run defeat.

Pirates player Stephen Thompson said he hoped his side hadn't "peaked too soon" in the semifinals and insisted taking early wickets would be key to lifting the trophy.

"I just couldn't fault the side's performance against Old Boys but I really hope we haven't peaked too soon," he said. "You know sometimes that happens with teams so this week it has been about keeping motivation high and focusing.

Eastern Pirates' Mark Smale. Photo/File

"Lake Taupo have a very strong top batting order so it's vital to get those early wickets. Our plan will then be to just rip through the rest of them.

"We have a point to prove after the narrow loss last time. It was a hard one to take and we want to get our own back.

'It would be great to get this trophy in the bag to give us a boost for the T20 trophy and overall title. This would be the perfect way to finish off the midpoint of the season."

Pirates have the added bonus of playing at home and more recent game time as Lake Taupo against Central CC reserves was abandoned because of bad weather.

Taupo advanced to the finals after finishing ahead of Central in pre-semifinals play.

"We need to use the home pitch to our advantage. Hopefully we can create an intimidating environment and establish ourselves early on," Thompson said. "We'll have a full powerful team playing and are ready to go. Hopefully Taupo won't be as fresh after last weekend."

Pirates captain Johnny Wiringi added: "This year we have the right culture at the club and we have a very experienced side. We are the ones to watch at the moment and we are going for all three of the trophies this year."