Coming unstuck in last year’s decider, Jon Nicoll is hoping plenty has been learnt heading into Sunday’s Stribley Shield final.
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Just like last year Wagga comes into the final undefeated, with three wins from as many matches this season.
It includes a seven-wicket win over Cootamundra at Robertson Oval in December.
Nicoll is pleased with how the side comes into the clash and is looking for them to fire when it really counts this time around
“The guys are really confident and we’ve been one on the form sides in the Stribley over the past three or fours years,” Nicoll said.
“Unfortunately last year we got beaten by a really good Yass side and if we aren’t at our best on Sunday we will get beaten by a really good Coota team.”
Wagga have won two of the last four Stribley Shield finals while Cootamundra are looking to win it for the first time since 2013-14.
It’s also Nicoll’s last representative match.
One of Wagga’s most decorated players in recent history, the Australian Country representative is looking for a perfect swansong in a team he has devoted a lot of time to over the past few seasons.
However he’s been forced to make one change with Adam Newcombe breaking his thumb last week.
Instead Wagga City young gun Nick Cawley comes into the side.
Nicoll is still pleased with the line-up.
“Adam Newcombe has had to drop out unfortunately after breaking his thumb last weekend but apart from that it is the side we are after,” he said.
“It should be good.”
Not only does it feature the competition’s leading runscorer, Nicoll, a four-time winner of the Brian Lawrence Medal, but also the competition’s leading wicket taker.
Lachie Skelly will take his place in the side alongside Lake Albert teammates Sean Gaynor and Jackson Sommerville.
Nicoll’s Wagga City teammates dominate the team with seven Cats named in the side.
Cootamundra will be led by two St Michaels players.
Brendan Gale has made a big impact since coming over the to Wagga competition this season, while Dave Garness is always dangerous with the ball.
Nicoll doesn’t want to underestimate their rivals.
“Last year goes to show anything can happen on the day,” he said.
“Coota are a really dangerous side and if we are not at our best we will get well beaten.”
Stribley Shield teams
WAGGA: Harry Rosengren, Beck Frostick, Nathanael Mooney, Jon Nicoll (c), Scott Nicoll, Ben Turner, Sean Gaynor, Jackson Sommerville, Nick Cawley, Louis Grigg, Lachie Skelly
COOTAMUNDRA: Dean Bradley (c) Darren Connell, Adam Twyfrod, Brendan Gale, Matt Berkrey, Nathan Corby, James Smith, Gene Kessel, David Garness, Tom Grace, Jack Caldwell, Josh Purtell
