Elliot Stevenson
Glenorchy will play three matches across three days in a frenzied weekend of CTPL action that is set to shape the T20 finals.
The Magpies won their first match in the format against University last Sunday, and will be bolstered by the return of Hobart Hurricane Nikhil Chaudhary.
Chaudhary has been an important piece for Glenorchy so far this season, averaging 39.3 runs with the bat, and just 17.9 with ball in hand.
Magpies captain-coach Josh Hartill is hoping his side will take confidence from last week’s win, with taking consistency from the momentum the predominant focus.
“We’re just looking for some consistency,” he said.
“Obviously, we got our first win on the weekend which was exciting.
“Hopefully we can keep the winning drive alive.
“Winning momentum is very crucial in T20 cricket.
“If you get some momentum on your side in this form of the game, you can strive as a team.
“As a young group at the moment, it would be awesome to play some finals cricket and show the competition what we truly can do.”
Glenorchy takes on Clarence on Thursday afternoon, before backing it up with a Saturday doubleheader against top-of-the-table North Hobart and Lindisfarne.
Hartill is not shirking the issue of a congested fixture.
“It’s tough, the boys are going to have to do a lot of recovery themselves,” he said.
“There will be plenty of hydration needed and sub-fielders if required.”
North Hobart will be buoyed by the inclusion of Caleb Jewell for all three of its games.
Jewell made 91 off 60 balls in a five-wicket win over Kingborough last Saturday and will look to continue his good form at the TCA Ground this weekend.
The Demons play New Town on Thursday, with a game scheduled against Lindisfarne after they take on Glenorchy on Saturday.
The Lightning will also be affected by the fixture, as they meet University on Thursday at Lindisfarne Oval.
Much of the competition will be without their state-contracted players, including Kookaburra Cup winners University.
The Lions take on Kingborough in a one-day semi-final rematch, before meeting next door neighbours South Hobart-Sandy Bay in a classic CTPL rivalry.
The Knights and the Sharks face each other in the matchup in between, in a gala day of white-ball cricket at University Oval.
South Hobart-Sandy Bay will have time to rest afterwards, however, as they host Greater Northern on Sunday.
This match marks the final regular season T20 game for both teams and will likely shape the top four heading into the finals.
The Raiders won’t have the advantage of being fresh, as they also play twice on Saturday, against Clarence and New Town at Kangaroo Bay.
Both Clarence and New Town sit winless at the bottom of the T20 ladder.
They meet on Saturday afternoon to potentially avoid a white-ball wooden spoon.
In the women’s competition, three Sunday games will decide the T20 Grand Final for the 2024-25 season.
Greater Northern currently sit on 15 points, two ahead of New Town, which will be aiming for at least one win to secure a final berth.
The Raiders play the Bucks twice on Saturday, with a home final up for grabs for New Town if they win both games.
However, if they lose both, North Hobart will have the opportunity to steal second place if they defeat a Clarence side that has won just one game all season.
The Roos were victorious against the Demons last weekend, a result that will likely give the young side a confidence booster to cause another potential upset.
The women’s T20 Grand Final is scheduled to take place on the 15th of December, either hosted by Greater Northern in Launceston, or New Town in Hobart.