MCG awaits Wendouree for state T20 competition final

By Pat Nolan
Updated November 2 2012 - 6:58pm, first published February 24 2012 - 2:07pm
Wendouree captain David Ellis at a training session this week.
Wendouree captain David Ellis at a training session this week.

THE hallowed turf of the MCG and a Victorian championship awaits Wendouree Cricket Club tomorrow.The Red Caps will compete in the final of the Cricket Victoria Twenty20 knockout competition, vying for their second state title in three years.Wendouree will meet Bentleigh Uniting from the Moorabbin competition for a shot at state glory.Fast bowler David Ellis, who has been team captain throughout the Twenty20 campaign, said there was a real buzz around the club in the lead-up to the final.“You can tell everyone is pumped, everyone is trying to make themselves available for the day,” he said.However, a couple of injury clouds hang over the Wendouree side.Key pacemen Tim Beacham is battling a side strain and Eamon Johnson is struggling to overcome a heel injury.It is still not known if either will play in the big clash but both have been named in the 13-man squad.The majority of the side played in the victorious team two years ago.However, four players have moved on, including Sam Miller who is playing premier cricket in South Australia and Nick O’Brien who has been drafted to AFL side Essendon.Ellis said it would serve as some sort of advantage that most of his side had played on the game’s biggest stage.“We thought it was a once in a lifetime experience last time but then we have gone and made it again,” he said.“We know how to play it. It is such a big ground so we probably won’t be going for a lot of fours and sixes, it will be about working the two and threes around the big ground.”Ellis said although it would be a huge honour if his side was to take out the tournament again, the first grade Ballarat Cricket Association season remained the number one priority.“It’s something we really enjoy playing and it’s a good bit of recognition,” he said.Wendouree qualified for the final by winning the BCA Twenty20 competition last season, before representing the Central Highlands region against Warrnambool-based Den- nington and Geelong West to advance to the Victorian Country final.The Red Caps then defeated Shepparton-based club Central Park-St Brendan’s to advance through to the overall state final.The match will kick off at 12pm at the MCG.

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