IT IS not unfair to label it the biggest game Hawkesbury Cricket Club has ever played in.
On Sunday, Hawkesbury will play Penrith Cricket Club in the one-day final of the NSW Premier Cricket competition, the first time the club’s first grade team has made any final.
The Hawks are not a team which has lucked into a spot either, with both club president Richards Timbs and team captain Jay Dyball firmly believing the Hawks have legitimate one-day credentials this season.
Timbs said he was proud of the club for reaching the final.
“We've won competitions in lower grades but in first grade we've never made a final and that in itself is significant,” he said.
“It is a little bit of a coming of age. Even when we have had success in the past, the litmus test of a cricket club is your first grade side.
“Until you make a final or win a competition you probably haven't quite made it as a club.”
Timbs said the club had been fundamentally sound in one-day cricket all season.
“Our success has really been built around the batting,” he said.
“The bowling and fielding has been good but we have very strong in the batting department this year.
“We've had a lot more consistency this year. In the past we've played good cricket, but not always produced our best at the right time.”
Dyball said the team had reached the final, not on the back of individual efforts, but strong performances from all 11 players on the field throughout the season.
He said former Pakistan under-19s player Aamir Jamal, a fresh face at the club this season, was someone who could swing the upcoming match in Hawkesbury’s favour with both bat and ball.
“He has been good all year. He bowled really well in the semi-final and I think he could have a really good game on Sunday,” he said.
“Aamir has been really handy. He always likes to be in the game and can produce when you need him.”
Dyball said with the exceptions of Arjun Nair, all of Hawkesbury’s regular one-day team was available.
The rising youngster Nair could potentially be picked for NSW’s Sheffield Shield team but if he is not picked he will play for Hawkesbury against Penrith.
Similarly, Australian quick Pat Cummins could be picked for Penrith’s team, which would be a big boost for the home team.
Timbs said he was not without confidence when he said he thought Hawkesbury had a chance to win the game.
“The team is playing excellent cricket, their confidence is high, they have a plan and formula for one-day cricket that is clearly working and we hope on the day that is good enough to win,” he said.
Timbs added that Penrith was sure to have a big crowd at the match, and hoped some Hawkesbury supporters could make their way down to support the club.
The match starts at 10am on Sunday at Howell Oval, Penrith.
