TRENT Ball says Lavington is the last team he wants to lose to in a grand final.
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Ball ramped up the mind games ahead of this weekend’s decider, saying he’s expecting his old teammates to have plenty to say to him this weekend.
The Patties star coached the Panthers to their previous grand final appearance two seasons ago but will instead line up against them this weekend after defecting to Xavier Oval.
“I’m sure there will be plenty said,” Ball said.
“There’s enough feeling in it, anyway. They are always hard-fought games.
“It’s been made pretty clear in the two games I’ve played against them that I’m a St Pat’s cricketer now.
“I’m looking forward to it. The last team I’d want to lose to in a granny is Lavington.”
Ball said there was undoubtedly added motivation for him playing against his old team.
“For me, there is,” he said.
“But as a team we’ve got enough motivation in our own backyard, anyway.
“We’re pretty keen to turn the tables on last year’s result.
“I didn’t leave Lavi because of the players.
“It was more the committee side of things but I’m looking forward to it more than ever.”
Ball, who has lost the past four Provincial deciders he’s played in, said there would be no excuses for either side.
Both teams progressed to the grand final with dominant preliminary final performances.