A FAMILIAR rivalry will play out in the Grassmere Cricket Association (GCA) one-day grand final at Wangoom this Sunday.
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Grassmere will be up against Panmure, the third time in a row the pair have played off in a GCA decider.
Last season, Panmure defeated Grassmere by 121 runs in the one-day final and repeated the dose with a 61-run win in the two-day final.
The Bulldogs have continued their domination over Grassmere into this season with an eight-wicket win in round five.
This is Grassmere’s only loss of the season and captain Chris Lenehan is keen for his team to start turning the tables on Panmure.
“They are a great side and that showed when they beat us convincingly in both grand finals last year,” Lenehan said.
“If teams keep beating you on a regular basis then it does become an issue so we want to start turning things around against them.
“We have an experienced core of players and not too many standouts, we are more consistent across the board.
“Wangoom is a small ground so that will add another dimension to it. The opportunity is there to hit a lot of runs but with that also comes the chance to take wickets.”
Lenehan will be a key player for Grassmere with both bat and ball.
Another all-rounder in Braden Hotker is also shaping as a potential match-winner for Grassmere.
For Panmure, Paddy Mahony is coming off two half-centuries and will be a key with bat in hand.
Daniel Meade is in good form with the bat with 11 wickets for the season so far at an average of 6.55.
The one-day final is part of a big weekend of action in the GCA.
On Saturday, it will be day two of round nine matches.
Grassmere has a fight on its hands at Killarney with the home team in the drivers seat.
On day one last Saturday, the Crabs were brilliant with the ball, knocking Grassmere over for 156.
Captain Brayden Buchanan was the star for Killarney with 6-56.
Panmure will on its home turf as it seeks to defend a score of 177 against Purnim.
A late breakthrough by Ken Jones will have Purnim resuming its chase on Saturday at 1-6.
A big effort with the bat on day one has Hawkesdale in a strong position in its clash with Wangoom.
The Cats finished the day on 8-243 with Wangoom to pursue this total on its home ground.
For Wangoom, much will depend on Corey McKenzie who is coming off a score of 116 in his last outing.
At Woolsthorpe, the home team will be chasing Yambuk’s score of 181.
Woolsthorpe will resume day two on 0-5.