Welcome to this week’s edition of Tah Talk with Jay Lenton.
This week Jay gives a preview to the weekends all-to-play-for fixtures with the women’s semi finals as well as the men’s final round, before finishing off with a bit on Ned Hole’s season with the bat.
As usual, Tah Talk is brought to you by Invest Blue. For all your financial planning needs visit them at www.investblue.com.au
WOMEN AIMING HIGH IN SEMIS
What a week it’s been for our four women’s teams.
Celebrations went well into the night last Saturday and Sunday after we secured our first club championship.
Players, coaches, officials and supporters gathered at the RATT to let their hair down and mark a special milestone for the Tahs.
It was then quickly back to business as we zone in on the start of the finals series this weekend.
There are no second chances from here.
Win your semi and it’s into the grand final. Lose and you can start packing for the end-of-season trip.
W1s go into their match against Sydney at Drummoyne with a 1-1 record against them this season.
The Tigers beat us in a T20 but we got the cash in a one-day match.
W2s play Gordon at Manly Oval and will need to turn form on its head to get the job done.
Gordon have won both clashes this year despite a brilliant 90 from Liz Cambridge in Round 16.
The Brewer Shield girls play minor premiers NDs after beating Parramatta last week.
We’ve had a loss and a tie against the Rangers and go into the match in form and full of confidence.
Finally, thirds are playing North Sydney at Balgowlah Oval, with a win apiece in our two clashes this year.
Let’s keep the momentum rolling, ladies.
Go the Tahs!
MEN’S TEAMS PUT IT ALL ON THE LINE
After nearly six months travelling all over Sydney chasing that little red ball, it all comes down to the next two Saturdays to see where we finish in all five grades of the men’s competition.
We play the always competitive Penrith in a two-dayer to complete the regular season and the stakes are high.
While the good news is all five teams have already qualified for the finals, there is still much work to do to ensure we finish as high up at possible.
Our fifths are first on the table and can’t be moved, sitting 11 points clear of their nearest rival.
But they will want to finish strongly to go into the play-offs on a high.
Adam Parkinson’s fourth grade team can finish anywhere between first and third depending on their result and other games.
A first innings win will guarantee them the minor premiership.
After a sluggish start to the season, thirds have come home with a wet sail and sit second ahead of their clash with the bottom-placed Panthers.
Sam Hole’s men can land as high as second or, if there’s a complete disaster, miss the top six altogether.
That will ensure there will be zero complacency as they do battle at Graham Reserve.
Seconds are just two points off top spot and will finish somewhere in the top three despite consistently losing players to firsts to cover for our unavailable players.
Talking about first grade, we are third and can leapfrog NDs into second if all goes to plan.
Throw in the fight for the club championship and you can see there is plenty riding on the next two weekends.
NED FILLS A BIG HOLE
Nothing gives you more satisfaction as a captain that to give a young player an opportunity and watch him seize it with both hands.
Ned Hole is a strong case in point.
He was drafted into the first grade side midway through the season after serving a lengthy apprenticeship in the lower grades, which included a patient and match-winning 97 in seconds’ 2020/21 grand final win.
Ned was called in at a time when our depth was being severely tested, with several players unavailable on rep duty or injured.
He has not only stepped up, he’s excelled.
Some 426 runs in red and white ball cricket tells the story, many of those digs coming with the team deep in trouble.
He has been happy to bat in whatever position he’s picked and is a great team player.
It’s been incredible to witness him progress and see him take his opportunity.
It’s a great story of consistency and a real reward for persistence and patience.
