PREMIERSHIP hero James Weighell will bat for Tallangatta on Saturday.
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Weighell is set to arrive in Australia from England on Wednesday and will take his place in the Bushies’ line-up as they attempt to chase down St Patrick’s 252 at Rowen Park.
Coach Trent Ball said Weighell would be a huge inclusion.
“He’s probably the most important player to any side,” he said.
“He’s a genuine match-winner and they don’t get much better than him.
“We are pretty happy to get him back.
“I have been hanging out for him to get here.”
Weighell, who has secured a full contract with Durham next season, is expected to hit the ground running after a strong pre-season in the gym.
He made 25 in his first-class debut against Middlesex in August.
Weighell will play a vital role in Tallangatta’s premiership defence after making 68 and taking 5-65 off 24 overs in last season’s grand final win over East Albury at Les Cheesley Oval.
We are pretty happy to get him back. I have been hanging out for him to get here.
- Trent Ball
But Ball is looking no further than St Patrick’s on Saturday.
“We have played some good cricket so far this year but in saying that we have a great test this week to chase down 250 against St Pats,” he said,
“They are the form side at the moment.
“We haven’t had a full side on the park yet, or a settled team, but after Christmas everyone will be available for all games leading into finals.”
Veteran Tallangatta all-rounder Steve Wood was instrumental in holding St Patrick’s to 252 after the Patties threatened to make a bigger total.
He grabbed 6-76 off 28 overs.
“It was ridiculous,” Ball said.
“At 46 years old, I don’t know how he does it.
“I haven’t seen anything like it
“He bowled 22 overs straight with a calf strain and was still just as quick as anyone to start off his spell.
“’Woody’ got us back into the game as it looked like they were going to make 300-plus.
“He’s just one of those freaks who loves competing, hates losing and has a will to compete.”
Remarkably, Wood backed up for Tallangatta in a Twenty20 match on Sunday.
He sent down another four overs and batted at No.6.
Meanwhile, promising Wodonga Raiders spinner Avery Weilandt has crossed to Wodonga.
He opened the batting for the Bulldogs’ district side at the weekend and will be pressing for provincial selection after Christmas.
