As reigning premiers in the Murray Valley Cricket Association, the C-grade Rhinos head to Cobram tomorrow with something to prove.
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The Rhinos had another stellar season finishing as minor premiers, and take on third placed Nathalia in the grand final from 1pm.
Nathalia and the Rhinos have met twice this year, with the Rhinos winning on both occasions.
In the round three match-up at Nathalia, the Rhinos won the toss and elected to bowl first.
Nathalia scored 121 off 30.3 overs, with Nathan Binks (29), Zander Quinn (26) and Greg Vallender (22) all making double-digit scores.
For the Rhinos, Cooper King (2/7), Oscar Marshall (2/9) and Dushan Rathwatte (2/19) all took multiple wickets.
In reply, Charlie McCallum (31) and Rathwatte (25) opened the batting, top-scoring for the Rhinos as they reached 6/124 in 21.5 overs to win by four wickets with Vallender (2/22) the league’s leading wicket-taker, the only Nathalia player to take multiple wickets.
In the round 10 match at Deniliquin, Nathalia made 8/110 after 35 overs, with Glenn Edwards (28) and Gus Frostick (24) top-scoring. The Rhinos had seven individual wicket-takers.
In reply, the Rhinos reached 5/113 in 29.2 overs, with Rowan Frazer (45 not out) and Hamish Baker (43) top-scoring for the Rhinos.
Josh Woods (3/17) was the only multiple wicket-taker for Nathalia.
Nathalia will be hoping for a different outcome in the 35 over-a-side grand-final, while the Rhinos will be hoping to prevail again as they look to go back-to-back as defending champions.
Tomorrow’s line-up was not finalised until after the Pastoral Times went to print, but was expected to be similar to the semi-final team.
Player profiles:
Tim Hillier: Rhinos legend, club president and experienced head on the field. Provides class hitting at the top of the order, and a consistent bowling option with great cricket brain to be called on if required.
Noah Bradley: Powerful young batter at the top of the order. A high-quality fast bowler and fielder, but re-injured his knee in the final home-and-away game. It may limit his movement, but is a huge addition to the team with his ability.
Anthony Bradley (c): Leads the team tactically and with spirit. Has shown how much talent he still possesses, scoring aggressive back-to-back unbeaten half-centuries. Can also be a tricky bowling option.
Dushan Rathwatte: Immensely talented cricketer who plays well in big matches. Is an attacking boundary hitting batter and can bamboozle with his leg-spin. Has shown his commitment, driving from Griffith after moving there this year, to finish the season with the club.
Rowan Frazer: A handy addition to the Rhinos. Is a technically sound batter who can score around the ground while putting a high price on his wicket. Is active in the field and can bowl if needed.
Chris Pyle: A champion Rhinos player who has been in great form with the bat and ball. Is a known boundary hitter that can move up and down the order where required. Can be just as damaging with his consistent bowling.
Hamish Baker: Skilled up-and-coming Rhinos cricketer. Good enough to open the batting and bowl important overs for the team. Elite fielder and adds talented youth to the team.
Stephen Marshall: Top-quality Rhinos clubman. An old-fashioned cricketer who consistently contributes in all facets of the game. Has shown that he can be a devastating batsman to bowl to, can bowl accurately and take classic catches in the field, equally leading the league in catches.
Charlie McCallum: Massive Rhinos cricketing talent. His left arm quick bowling is incredibly difficult to score off, and keeps all forms of dismissal in play. Can bat well with known boundary hitting ability. A brilliant fielder.
Lachlan Marshall (wk): Integral to the team’s success in his role as wicketkeeper - definitively one of the league’s best. An attacking batsman that can find the boundary when called upon. Leads the team with his talk and energy, on and off the field.
Cooper King: One of the Rhinos leading wicket-takers. If he gets his radar on can be damaging. Can also smack the ball around the ground and for boundaries with ease. Great hands in the field.
Prem Muppidi: One of the best opening bowlers at the club, with his accurate and unrelenting spells. Has been unlucky to not take more wickets this season but has repeatedly held an end for the Rhinos. Is due to fire in the grand final.
Fletcher Campion: The talented youngster has played a big role for the Rhinos this season. He can bowl accurately and hit big if required. Can play any role needed.