PORT Panthers Pirates are eyeing off a grand final bounty, but need to get a win over Macquarie Hotel this weekend to make the season decider.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Minor premier Wauchope RSL awaits the winner of what should be a cracking first-grade preliminary final between the Macca and Pirates at Laurieton Oval.
Macquarie has some strong big-game experience but Pirates captain Ben Woodward reckoned his team had been the more consistent performer this season.
He hoped that would continue over 90 overs against Michael Pelley's Macca on Saturday and Sunday.
Pirates will have to do it without bowler Nick Bartlett, all-rounder Kirk Lower and batsman Jack Darcy. All have university commitments.
Woodward said knocking over Macquarie wouldn't be an easy task.
"It's going to be a close finish," he said.
"On paper, they're always a dangerous side. You can never underestimate them."
Fresh in Pirates' mind is the 2010-11 campaign, when the team sailed strong all season before losing the decider to the same opposition.
Shane Williams, Paul Stait, and Woodward remain from that campaign.
Woodward rated his team this time around as just as good as the Pirates who lost that decider.
"This team is on par with that, I think," he said.
Woodward's side also lost the year before's decider to Camden Haven. Keeper Garth Mangan played in that team and will also play tomorrow.
"We don't have very good memories from that," Woodward said.
Pirates had the choice of the home ground for the match, but couldn't choose Oxley Oval as it's out of action for the remainder of the season.
Not playing at Oxley was disappointing for Woodward. He rates it as the best ground in the district.
Woodward said the location, picket fence and good outfield all added to the Oxley allure.
"It feels like a proper cricket ground," he said.
Most of Woodward's junior representative career in Port has been played at Oxley.
"I have some great junior memories there," he said.
n Turn to page 78 to see what Michael Pelley has to say about the match