Two heavyweights of Premier Cricket in Canberra will face off this Sunday in the John Gallop Cup at Phillip Oval.
Weston Creek-Molonglo (WCM) and Queanbeyan once again headline another ACT Premier Cricket final, after both clubs faced off in last season's Douglas Cup Two-Day decider.
WCM will be aiming for the club’s third title this season, with the ‘Creek’s 2nd and 3rd grade sides beating Queanbeyan in their respective one-day finals last Sunday.
WCM have asserted their dominance in the One-Day competition and have proven to be the team to beat, finishing the regular season top of the One-Day ladder, with only a loss to Tuggeranong in a reduced overs match.
A comprehensive win over ANU in last week’s semi-final led by ACT Comets young guns Zak Keogh (81 of 85) and Blake Faunce (4-45) ensured the ‘Creek’s spot in the Final.
"Zak has been at the club since he was 14, he came up from the coast and to see him doing really well inspires the other guys," Weston Creek-Molonglo’s opening bat Robbie Trickett said this week.
"I think Sam Manton is doing really well this year and Blake Faunce obviously a player for the Comets earlier this season as well, and he is having a good year as well."
Queanbeyan on the other hand will be out seeking revenge after losses last week in the 2nd and 3rd grade finals, also to the ‘Creek, while the memory of last year's Douglas Cup Grand Final loss is never too far away for the Bluebaggers.
“I’d say they're in the back of our minds, but they're not hindering our performances at all; it’s there and we're hungry for that win,” Queanbeyan and Comets leg spinner Kai Bruker said.
After a loss to Tuggeranong earlier in the regular season, Queanbeyan returned the favour in last week’s semi-final at Chisholm Oval, led by Esam Rahman at the top of the order, peeling off 132 runs at better than a run-a-ball, including four sixes.
Rahman will be looking to continue his strong form in this weekend's decider, having already hit two centuries this season.
"We hit our straps in the semi, Esam has gone back-to-back hundreds now. Having one or two people stand up and lots of chip-ins around the board is what will help us," Brunker said.
Weston Creek-Molonglo will be favourites heading into Sunday after a dominant season, bolstering a team consisting of players with plenty of interstate experience.
However, Queanbeyan's loss in last year’s Douglas Cup final will be a strong motivator heading into Sunday, which will set up for an intriguing contest between the two heavy weights of Canberra Cricket.
We gladly welcome visitors to Phillip for the match on Sunday. Our canteen will be operational on the day. Please no BYO glass.
John Gallop Cup: EPC Solar Park, Phillip – Sunday, 4 February – First Ball 11am.
Article by UC Sports Media student Oliver Nguyen