WAGGA City captain Josh Thompson believes beginning the second innings of twilight Twenty20 fixtures slightly later at Harris Park should be placed on the agenda for next season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Cats maintained their unbeaten record with a 33-run win over South Wagga in Tuesday's last regular season fixture, ensuring Wagga RSL held off the Blues to qualify for Friday night's decider at Robertson Oval.
Thompson starred with both bat and ball, making the Blues pay for two early dropped catches with 54 off 32 balls in Wagga City's 9-140,, before taking 4-14 with his leg spinners as South Wagga was dismissed for 107.
South Wagga openers Alex Smeeth (21 off 17 balls) and Joel Robinson (24 off 24) compiled a 48-run partnership, but collapsed to 5-56 to ruin any hope of making the final.
Despite the opposition's bright start to the run chase, Thompson believes batting first at Harris Park in evening matches is a big advantage.
"Probably moving forward we might have to start that second innings a bit later, the sun was right in their eyes," he said.
"It was possibly a lot harder for them to start their innings, but to their credit their openers got them off to a flyer.
"The Harris Park pitch isn't in the same direction as others around town, and the sun sets just to the right of your eyeline.
"A few of the fielders said they couldn't see anything on one side, you have to put your hand over your eyes."
Thompson said he was pleased to find some form with the bat himself, ending a frustrating run personally in the Twenty20 campaign previously.
"I had a bit of luck, but it was nice to have that innings to get us to a defendable target," he said.
Angus Grigg also starred for the ball for Wagga City with 3-20 off 3.4 overs, while Mitchell Sykes spearheaded South Wagga's attack with 4-7 off four overs.
Wagga RSL has lost some momentum in the first grade competition, losing their past three matches, but will view Friday's final as an ideal chance to get some confidence before the second half of the season.
"They're playing some good team cricket in the Twenty20," Thompson said.
"They used to rely on one or two players but have got a few young blokes back. Brad McMillan is a class act, Jack Carey is is a very good young player and Charlie Cull as well.
"Having those blokes on their list makes them a strong outfit with the bat and ball."
Friday's final begins at 6.30pm at Robertson Oval, with a player of the match and player of the series to be crowned at the end of the match.
READ MORE
