The A-grade Deni Rhinos side have entered the Murray Valley Cricket Association grand final against reigning premiers the Cobram Tigers.
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The clash will be hosted in Berrigan over two days, Saturday and Sunday.
This weekend’s decider pits the two best sides from this season against each other.
The Rhinos finished the home and away season on top of the ladder and Cobram second.
But Cobram are reigning premiers, after finishing fourth in the home and away season last year.
The Rhinos have played Cobram twice this season, in a one-day and two-day match, winning on both occasions.
In the last two-day match a month ago, the Rhinos hosted Cobram and, winning the toss, elected to bat.
Boddie Arthur (27) and Griegan French (18) got the Rhinos off to a good start, but it was the partnership between Andrew Hogan (65 off 187 balls) and Brodie Bennett (124 off 73 balls with three fours and fourteen sixes) that got the Rhinos into a great position.
Charlie Hillier (10) and Matt Taylor (12) both also reached double digits to help the Rhinos finish their 80 overs 9/282.
Jimmy Daniel was the primary wicket-taker for Cobram as he took 5/70 off 22 overs while Shaun Downie was the other wicket taker finishing with 3/84 off 29.
In reply, Cobram’s Daniel Ellis (95) and Lachlan Hyde (54) top-scored for the visitors. However , with a young side playing, the Tigers fell short, only managing 237 all out.
Brodie Bennett (4/46 off 18 overs) and Matt Taylor (4/62 off 16.1 overs) were the multiple wicket takers, while Jack Tonta (1/16 off 5 overs) and Andrew Hogan (1/49 off 12 overs) took one apiece as the Rhinos won by 45 runs.
Since that match, Cobram have won consecutive two-day games against Nathalia with the two major inclusions of Adam Decicco and Tyron Baden.
Decicco in particular will be a player to watch for Cobram.
In the semi-final last weekend against Nathalia, Decicco top-scored with 42 off 84 balls, with Hugh Hyde, Lachlan Hyde, Shaun Downie, Tyron Baden and Jimmy Daniel all reaching double digits as Cobram set a total of 192.
In reply, Cobram bowled Nathalia out for 71 with Decicco finishing with 6/25 off 10 overs with five maidens.
Tyron Baden 1/16 off 11 overs with four maidens, Daniel 1/1 off two overs and Downie 1/2 off 1.3 overs were the other wicket takers to help defeat Nathalia by 121 runs.
The Rhinos had a largely full-strength side when they beat Cobram a month ago, and last weekend when they beat Barooga by three wickets.
The Rhinos kept Barooga to 158 all out, thanks to the good bowling of Brodie Bennett (5/55) and Matt Taylor (5/62).
In the chase, the Rhinos got to the target at 7/162 to win by three wickets due to Harry Hillier’s gutsy knock of 68 off 117 balls and Andrew Hogan’s 30 off 72 balls as well as Kai Hillier’s 16 not out off 10 balls.
Both teams will be keen to taste premiership glory this weekend, which should make it a great game of cricket.
Play starts in Berrigan at 12.30pm.
While teams were not finalised until after the Pastoral Times went to print yesterday, it is anticipated the side will not change much from last week.
Player profiles are as follows:
Boddie Arthur (c): Has led from the front all year as Rhinos captain. While he hasn’t been able to make many massive scores has made quality runs this season, getting the team off to good starts as opener. Is solid in the field with the equal most catches in the league this season and can contribute himself as a difficult bowling option if needed.
Griegan French: The league’s leading run scorer. The UK import has come in and been huge from the outset, opening the batting. Has missed out in his last few games, so will be keen to make a big score in the grand final. Consummately reliable in the field and can bowl but only if required.
Harry Hillier (vc): Demonstrated how crucial he is to the side with his semi-final knock. Has been in good form with the bat. Shows great leadership capabilities and brings relentless energy in the field.
Andrew Hogan: The club stalwart and consistent high performer has shown glimpses of his match-winning ability. Is a workhorse that is still as good as anyone in the competition when given the opportunity.
Brodie Bennett: Has been the star player with bat and ball this season after returning to play with the Rhinos this year. League-leading batting average of 88.20.
Brad Todd: Another club legend who still has the ability to take the game away from the opposition once in with the bat. Provides an experienced head in the field with plenty of cricketing nous. Can bowl consistently if needed.
Matt Taylor: League runner-up leading wicket-taker. The international import has been one of the fastest, most accurate and lethal bowlers in the competition. Can bat more than he has shown this season and add attacking runs to any Rhinos total. Elite fielder.
Jack Tonta: Burst back into the Rhinos line-up with immense pace, taking a fifer against Berrigan. Makes things difficult for the batters who face him. Can also hold the bat.
Kai Hillier: A spark plug for the entire group. When he’s on his game can match it with the best in the league. Can be electric if required to come on to bowl and can run all day in the field.
Monte Barnes: A superb all-round addition to the Rhinos this season. Adds serious boundary hitting ability, can bowl accurately and one of the safest fielders at the club.
Jonty Tubb (wk) (vc): His importance, due to his safe hands with the gloves, cannot be overstated. Arguably, the league’s best keeper, also equal league-leader with most catches. Classy with the bat. Heart and soul of the team, as a leader, each week.
Lachlan Holloway: An elite leg-spinner who works hard at the craft. Uses his height to create dismissals. Ultra-consistent player. Strong batting technique and can hit runs if required. Safe hands in the field.