ST PATRICK’S will look to consolidate their spot in Cricket Albury-Wodonga’s top-six by upsetting New City at Xavier Oval on Saturday.
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While many expected the young Patties line-up to struggle this season, they have four wins in the bank and are well placed to return to finals action.
They will blood another youngster in 15-year-old Pat Parnell who will feel right at home playing alongside Ben Jones, Sam Azzi and Nick Brown.
“It’s the youngest side I can remember at St Pats,” coach James Kreutzberger said.
“Patty comes in to join the likes of Ben, Sam and Nick while Will Keighran has also been playing and Kori (Stevenson) and Nick Flood are only 24 and 25.
“Luke Dahl is pretty young as well.”
The learning curve has been sped up at Xavier Oval with front-line bowlers Jarryd Hatton (Canberra) and Kane Arendarcikas (calf) being sidelined.
St Patrick’s defeated New City in round six on the back of a strong team performance and Kreutzberger believes it will take a similar effort to hold the Phoenix at bay.
“It’s a very even comp and, if you are up and about on the day, anything is possible,” he said.
“Our enthusiasm has been a big thing for us this year.”
Wodonga Raiders coach Steve Keene will be chasing reward for effort against East Albury at Alexandra Park.
Although last season’s wooden-spooner has been close in several matches, Keene said it was time to take the next step.
“We have been very, very close on a few occasions,” Keene said.
“Our side has been competitive all year, but it’s time to stop being competitive and win games.
“The boys have been training really well and hopefully that win isn’t too far away.”
The Raiders have been bolstered by the inclusion of young Burrumbuttock wicketkeeper-batsman Zac Barrenechea.
He played against St Patrick’s last weekend and turned in a polished performance behind the stumps.
“He’s coming in for a few games to get some senior experience,” Keene said.
“Hopefully he will come back on a full-time basis next season.”
Belvoir can sneak into the top six by defeating Wodonga at Les Cheesley Oval.
The Eagles fell short when they clashed last month but have shown improvement with the bat since then with Nat Sariman finally getting support.
Tallangatta will prove too strong for Albury with in-form skipper Mat Armstrong poised to build on his 350-run season.
North Albury take on undefeated Lavington at Bunton Park.