The B grade One Day Grand Final (not including covid year of all one day matches) has existed for four years now and this will be Darwin’s third appearance with previously beating Nightcliff in 2021 and a loss after the last ball in 2023, while this is Palmerston’s first appearance and is making out to potentially being a Cinderella Story after being one win from four matches after round five to win two close ones to make the four and then knock off the Nightcliff in another close match.
Both sides have all the ingredients of what Darwin cricket is, people who live and breathe their clubs, have experienced the highs and lows of being there before and players getting their first taste of finals cricket in the DDCC. Had Dixon not been injured, it would also have featured two father son combos.
Marrara two looks to have a second fresh pitch to be prepared for today’s fixture, slightly better looking than yesterday’s track with better grass coverage, it may play a little slower and bounce down and should not be a factor in the day’s proceedings and either team should be able to chase if batting second.
Darwin will be going in as red hot favourites, the bowlers will be up and about after running through Tahs along with having plenty of strings to their bows if things don’t go their way early. It will be crucial for Palmerston to keep Magee, Berry and Brautigam quiet if they’re to chase or set a match winning total. Darwin on the other hand have been fairly solid up top batting was and Palmerston were able to find a break through with their new ball pair, they’ll need to make early inroads so that Snape and Chatto can settle in that middle overs again and turn the screws.
No changes to Darwin’s team but Palmerston are with out Fett who pulled his quad early doors, he is replaced by Glen Chatto.
Prediction – Either side can win this, the Eagles will expect to, while Power are beginning to show their wares. Will stick with whoever bats first, wins.