Elliot Stevenson
North Hobart faces its biggest test of the women’s one-day CTPL season as they travel north of face Greater Northern at UTAS Stadium on Sunday.
The Demons remain undefeated through four games to begin 2025, after narrowly missing on making the T20 Grand Final in December last year.
Coach Stef Daffara is taking confidence in her sides’ victory over the Raiders earlier this month.
“I think we’ve gone out with some really clear plans with what we want to do,” she said.
“Having our state players around has made for a really positive environment.
“I was really pleased with the win that we got up in Launceston [Round 14] because we had some inexperience in the team and our senior players stepped up and led from the front.
“This week is about adjusting to the conditions and playing our style of cricket.”
North Hobart will likely be without veteran opener Ellyse Villani for this weekend’s clash with Greater Northern, a crucial blow for the ladder leaders.
Villani scored 154 off 141 balls in last week’s historic chase-down win over Clarence, and has been an influential member of the Demons’ team since her return from Tigers duty.
“There’s no doubt she’s got a lot of experience,” Daffara said.
“Having someone like her, especially around some of our younger players, is really invaluable.
“She’s not just a great leader, she’s a great person.
“She even took the gloves the week we were missing Josephine Rose, which just shows she can do everything.
“She’s really open and willing to share her knowledge with everyone.”
Greater Northern is coming off a dominant 9-wicket victory against New Town, which resulted in its return to the top two as they bid to make a second grand final this season.
The other women’s game this weekend involves two sides looking for a win, in Clarence and New Town.
The Roos have lost two straight after a positive start to their one-day campaign, while New Town is still winless in the longer format this year.
Last time the two teams met, Clarence managed to hold on in a rain-affected game at New Town Oval, with the game reduced to 25 overs apiece.
This Sunday will mark the first time they play a full 50-over match since January last season.
All four teams are likely to be without their individual representative players, as the women’s Tigers play on Saturday and Monday against the ACT Meteors.
In the men’s competition, University needs just eight runs to likely continue an undefeated streak dating back to the 1st of December last year.
The Lions will resume at 4-136 against North Hobart with Tom Chapman [53 not out off 48 balls] spearheading the chase, requiring just 144 to win on first innings.
Uni have been bolstered by the debut of left-arm seamer Nick Walden, a relative unknown hailing from Queensland.
Walden was brought into the side as a friend of recent Hobart Hurricanes BBL premiership and University player Paddy Dooley.
The paceman took 4/33 off 14 overs in his first game for the club, sure to a welcome sight for coach Ben Hilfenhaus and the club.
The Lions cannot rest on their laurels, as Kingborough continue to mount pressure on the clubhouse leaders of the CTPL.
Having already won on first innings against Greater Northern, the Knights will look to extend their 32-run lead over their opponents as they search for an outright victory.
Riley Backhouse [28 not out off 68 balls] made his way to stumps a week ago and will be the key to increasing Kingborough’s total of 7-165.
Clarence’s Sam Rainbird will be on the hunt to add to his five-wickets from last weekend as his side attempt to bowl out Lindisfarne at ANZAC Park.
The Lightning trail by 108 and need nine runs to avoid the follow-on.
With just two wickets in hand, the morning session on Saturday will be crucial in determining the final outcome of the game.
Daniel Chapman [38 not out off 68 balls] and Sebastian Brown [4 not out off 12 balls] will begin the day with the bat for Lindisfarne.
New Town will also be searching for an outright win as they do battle with the hapless Glenorchy Magpies at KGV.
The Bucks will continue 39-runs ahead of their counterparts on Saturday, as they aim to maintain their place in the top four heading into a bye next weekend.
Joe Randall [53 not out off 69 balls] is searching for a first century since 2020/21, and is supported by all-rounder Jesse Willmott [27 not out off 30 balls].
*Photo supplied by Solstice Digital.