Stockton Looking For Knockout Cup Result
Newcastle Herald
Friday December 26, 2008
STOCKTON are primed and ready to add the SCG Country Cup to their list of titles this season when the $40,000 knockout competition starts in Bathurst and Orange tomorrow.
The Seagulls scored a thrilling last-ball victory over defending champions Merewether to claim the Tom Locker Cup one-day competition last Sunday.And they welcome the return of Newcastle opening bat Scott Cameron, who missed last Sunday's action-packed match due to holidays.Former skipper Jody Whitehead, who filled the opening spot in Cameron's absence last Sunday, is the only member of the final-winning team not travelling to the Central West.Fast bowler Tim Harding and captain Mark Dries, along with Merewether batsman Trent Bush, were cited to appear before the Newcastle District Cricket Association judiciary after the final.The judiciary hearing will not be held until Tuesday, allowing Dries and Harding to take part in the three-day carnival."Having Scotty Cameron back from holidays is a bonus," Dries said. Stockton play Wollongong in their first match at Orange's Wade Park, and if they prevail they will meet the winner of the match between Maitland and Albion Park.The Seagulls are on the same side of the draw as Toronto Workers and Hamilton-Wickham and could play either of them in the semi-final on Monday.Toronto, who knocked out defending champions Merewether last round, will take a full-strength team into their clash with Tuggeranong Valley tomorrow at Glenroi Oval in Orange.Toronto captain Paul Toole had Christmas in his home town of Bathurst yesterday and has played plenty of cricket in neighbouring Orange as a youngster."I haven't played cricket out here for about 10 years or so, but I'm sure I'll run into a few familiar faces," Toole said. "It hailed here yesterday and it looks like raining again today, so the decks could be interesting."We're pretty much full-strength and Joey Price, Matty Hancock and Aaron Gray have been bowling well for us."Jamie Boettiger has been batting well and Hemmo [Jeff Hemming] got 90-odd last game, so hopefully he is about to fire, and when he does he will do well."Experienced all-rounder Darren Herbert will lead three-time Country Cup champions Hamwicks into battle against The Entrance at Orange's Riawena Oval.Hamwicks and Toronto will meet in Sunday's quarter-final if they both get through tomorrow.All-rounder Sam Gilmour will captain Waratah-Mayfield when they play Oak Flats in the other side of the draw at Orange's Jack Brabham Oval.
© 2008 Newcastle Herald