CAMDEN Haven will attempt to secure a berth in the Hastings River District Cricket Association play-offs against St Andrews at Andrews Park, Wauchope, tomorrow.
The Havens, currently sitting in second place on the competition table, are three points behind frontrunners Westport Leagues with only two rounds remaining.
A win tomorrow would all but seal a top three place for the Camden Haven outfit but also put a dent in fourth-placed St Andrews’ hopes of a semi-final position.
The Havens have accounted for St Andrews twice this season and captain Darren Hudson is confident of continuing that streak tomorrow.
“We’re two-up on them so far and I hope that trend continues,” Hudson said.
“While it would be nice to upset their season a bit, we’re keen to win our last two matches.
“If we do that we are still a chance of capturing the minor premiership - that’s our goal at the moment.
“St Andrews also have to play Port RSL in the final round so we can afford to drop one match - although we’d rather not.
“The pressure is definitely not on us.”
Hudson, who has been with the club for the past four seasons, is yet to contest a semi-final series but believes 2000-2001 could be the year for Camden Haven.
“I haven’t played semi-final cricket with Camden Haven and I hope this is our time,” Hudson said.
“I’m more than confident with the players we’ve got and I believe we can go all the way.
“We’ve beaten St Andrews, Westport Leagues and Port RSL this season, so we’re going well in both formats of the game (one-day and two-day).
“Brett Swain will be our biggest danger tomorrow with the bat and the ball.”
Hudson attributes the team’s younger players, and their enthusiasm, for Camden Haven’s success this season.
“The younger players started the season strongly and have gained much experience as the year’s progressed,” Hudson said.
“Matt McKinnon’s had a good year, Nathan Kerr is playing strongly and Ray Grunsell is finding form.
“Now that Ray has dropped down the order, the pressure is off him and he’s relishing the chance to show his talents.
“Sixteen-year-old Nathan has taken over Ray’s opening role and is handling the task well.
“The main thing is that everyone is doing their bit and everyone is contributing, whether it’s with the bat or ball.
“Greg Darcy’s return has also been a huge boost for us - he’s scoring runs and taking wickets at vital times.
“Matt Whatson’s proved his value as an all-rounder this season as well.
“He scored a century recently and is averaging 30 or more with the bat while taking a bagful of wickets along the way.
“Knowing Matt’s batting so well down the order gives the other batsmen a lot of confidence.”
In other round 14 matches, competition leaders Westport Leagues meet Wilson River at Laurieton Oval, Laurieton, while Wauchope RSL confronts third-placed Port RSL at Oxley Oval, Port Macquarie.
