The opening round of Carlton Mid Premier Grade one-day games has been run and won, but some teams will be hastily turning their eye to the shortest format this week as the T20 League kicks off at DXC Arena. Modern day powerhouse Southern Districts take on Palmerston on Tuesday night from 6pm, to be followed by a blockbuster clash between PINT and Waratah at the same venue 48 hours later. Many club presidents and captains have stated their goals and ambitions for the three formats, so we've cast our eye over each side to provide some further insight. Stay tuned for the PINT and Waratah T20 previews tomorrow, followed by Nightcliff and Tracy Village on Tuesday. Darwin and the NT side will finalise our comprehensive wrap on Wednesday.
PALMERSTON POWER
The Power were brave but ultimately defeated in their opening skirmish against a tough Waratah unit at Cazalys Oval, however, there were plenty of positives for captain Hamish Martin and coach David Cluse. Kiwi imports Caleb Montague and Matt Scoble impressed, and the potential makings of a quality spin duality were established between Martin and Rommel Shahzad. Palmerston were unable to get on the board in this competition last season, but things could be vastly different with an exciting blend of youth, talent and experience this time around. Alex Bleakley was strong with bat and ball against Tahs, whilst Jasper Darley (Port Adelaide) acquitted himself well to the conditions with two wickets on debut.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Plenty of pyrotechnics from the Power's top six. Martin believed his charges were "striving for finals appearances" in all formats and that not achieving that objective would be "disappointing". He has plenty of experience at his disposal throughout the top and middle order; a lovely juxtaposition against some flair and exuberance from a couple of teenagers in Aidan Firman (North Queensland) and Jack Matchett (Kensington & SA U19). Montague looked extremely dangerous against the new ball; equally adept in opposition to spin and pace. Former captain Bleakley and Harsh Bimbral both know what is expected and can go hell for leather when the situation demands, plus the captain and bowlers can all handle themselves with the willow. The Power will go hard with the bat, and will be backing their quality attack to defend or restrict opposition sides so they can play with necessary freedom.
PLAYER TO WATCH:
A very tough pick in this team, but we'll have to go with Caleb Montague for this format. The NZ youngster is only 21, but showed a vast array of strokes at Woodroffe against an perfunctory Waratah attack. He comes highly regarded from Wellington, and his first innings on Darwin soil certainly didn't sully his growing reputation earnt across the Tasman. His blistering 39 from 37 deliveries set a rapid pace up top against the new ball, but after falling, the middle and lower order struggled to score at the required rate and eventually fell 20 runs short. Montague is to be crucial to the Power's success in this format. If he gets going, his team will be off to a flyer and could be hard to rein in. Keep an eye out for his footwork against the spinners.