BIG-hitting and a carnival atmosphere will take centre stage at Town Beach tomorrow when the Tooheys XXXX and Port Panthers Beach Cricket grand final wraps up another successful competition.
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Twelve teams started the annual tournament last month – now, only two remain, defending champions Port News and former titleholders Constable Printing.
“We changed the format this year, and it’s worked out quite well,” Port Macquarie Panthers operations manager Jason Stone said.
“There have been a number of exciting games.
“And, we’re expecting another great battle tomorrow.
“As well as the grand final between Port News and Constable Printing, there’ll be an exhibition match featuring The Good Guys and Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
“The Tacking Point Lions Club is also hosting a barbecue from 12.30pm, and Steve Davis is providing the entertainment on the beach.
“Everyone is welcome to come down, watch the beach cricket action and soak up the atmosphere.”
After accounting for John Oxley Motors in the first semi, Port News eliminated the strong Good Guys outfit on Tuesday night.
With Matt Rankin, Darren McCudden, Jason Fletcher and Ian Chetcuti leading the charge, Good Guys posted a very competitive total of 88.
But, despite a couple of early hiccups in the run chase, Brent Conroy, Jonathan Toombs, Josh Mann and Shayne Redden guided Port News to 117 – and the chance to defend their crown.
“I must admit, I thought we were in trouble at one stage,” Port News skipper Rod Thompson said.
“However, a few of the boys really hit their straps in the later part of the innings, namely Toomsy and Connors.
“Constable’s crushed Port Macquarie Base Hospital in their showdown.
“Plus, they have some good players in their ranks like Tim Harris, David Barnes, Sam Longstaff, Greg Smith and David Pensini.
“So, they’ll provide another tough challenge tomorrow.”
Constable’s knocked over Better Homes in semi-final number two before blitzing Port Macquarie Base Hospital by 128 runs on Tuesday.
The Base Hospital side could only manage -9 as Constable’s compiled 119.
Port News: Rod Thompson, Peter Gleeson, Wayne Gleeson, Shayne Redden, Jonathan Toombs, Josh Mann, Sam Ward, Brent Conroy, Shane McEwen, Matt Adkins
Constable Printing: Greg Smith, Paul Humble, Rhys Longbottom, Sam Johnson, David Barnes, Andrew Barnes, Jason New, David Pensini, Tim Harris, Sam Longstaff
Tomorrow’s program:
1pm: exhibition match – Good Guys v Port Macquarie Base Hospital
2pm: grand final – Port News v Constable Printing
