By Elliot Stevenson
Kingborough is on the precipice of a Kookaburra Cup final appearance in its return season the women’s first grade competition, with a date on Sunday against Clarence the next hurdle for the Knights.
The ladder leaders have won three consecutive matches for the second time this season, their first campaign in the premier grade since 2019-20.
Knights captain-coach Emily Divin is somewhat surprised by her team’s success due to its relative lack of experience at the top level.
“We were really open to however the season unfolded,” she said. “We definitely didn't set ourselves a goal to be in the final.”
“And to be honest, I thought that the one-day game might be more of a challenge for us.
“We've got a group who haven't played a lot of 50-over cricket, so I thought that might prove to be probably more challenging than the T20s.
“But as it's turned out, we've adapted really well to the longer form of the game and have put together some really, really good performances with both the bat and the ball.
“It’s been really pleasing.”
Kingborough is six points ahead of both Greater Northern and North Hobart, although the Raiders hold a game in hand on both of their challengers.
Last week’s eight-wicket win over New Town allowed some breathing room for the Knights, but Divin is taking the games week-by-week.
“We've had some good wins on the trot now, so we get a bit of momentum heading into what I think will be a really big month of cricket,” she said.
“It's been great to put together some consistent performances.
“Obviously, it's a really tight three-way race for finals and we're looking forward to maximising our points each week to give us the best chance of being there on the last day of the year.”
Divin herself has been in sparkling form with the bat, hitting four consecutive half-centuries including an unbeaten 50 off 43 balls in last weekend’s victory at the Twin Ovals.
Consistency is the key for the Knights, and a settled squad is a strong squad according to Divin.
“One of our biggest strengths is being able to play a consistent team each week,” she said.
“The same girls are getting opportunities week in and week out and that allows them to get lots of opportunities in the roles that they're playing and come together as a strong group.
“I think that's been a huge benefit for us this year.
“The group has got a really nice vibe and nice bond, and everyone gets along well.”
A winless Clarence is Kingborough’s opponent this Sunday, with a repeat of the previous result between the two sides likely to be sought after by Divin and her team.
The Knights bowled out their opponents for 61, chasing down the target in just 9.5 overs and losing only two wickets, but Divin is remaining vigilant ahead of the upcoming clash.
“Clarence have obviously had a tough run,” she said. “But I think it's really important not to take any team too lightly.”
“Every team in the comp have got players who can go out and make the game really difficult for the opposition and Clarence are no different.
“We'll go into it exactly the same. We'll put our best foot forward with the ball on the bat and hopefully come away with another win.”
The Greater Northern Raiders will be aiming to continue piling pressure on the Knights, as they make the trip down to Hobart to face New Town at the bike track on Sunday.
Emma Manix-Geeves will be key for the second-placed Raiders, having hit a century (118 off 121 balls) in a win over North Hobart last time out.
The star batter has struggled for consistent runs across all competitions this season but remains a threat for any opposition bowling attack that faces her.
In the men’s competition, a fresh batch of two-day matches are set to begin, with the game between Greater Northern and New Town at UTAS Stadium likely to have major implications on shaping the finals.
The two sides are locked on 48 points apiece, although the Raiders possess a game in hand over Saturday’s opponent.
Both teams suffered comprehensive losses last weekend at the hands of Kingborough and Lindisfarne respectively, with a bounce back win set to be on the cards for one.
First placed Clarence will travel across the Tasman Bridge to take on Glenorchy at KGV Oval, aiming to extend its lead at the top of the CTPL ladder.
The Roos hold a perfect record in the two-day competition, winning all four of their matches in the red-ball format so far this season.
Mac Wright is likely to feature for Shane Holland’s team, hoping to continue his largely successful debut season in maroon since moving from Lindisfarne in the offseason.
Lindisfarne’s position at fourth in the CTPL ladder remains under threat from Kingborough, but the Lightning continue to stave Tom Martyn and the Knights off with strong performances.
A near outright victory over Greater Northern last weekend strengthened their position in the top four, with a clash with North Hobart this Saturday set to test the Lighting again.
Iain Carlisle will feature for the fourth time this season with the Demons, but only as a batter as he continues to work his way back from injury.
Recently crowned T20 premiers University can keep its season alive in a matchup with longtime rival South Hobart-Sandy Bay at Uni Oval.
The Lions carried their title-winning form into day two of last weekend’s game against Glenorchy, winning comfortably and nearly pulling off an outright victory.
Jake Doran is a reluctant out for Ben Hilfenhaus, while star all-rounder Brad Hope will remain with the reigning premiers for the grudge match.