Mother nature had the final say on the weekend’s action, with no Upwey-Tecoma sides able to take the field due to grounds being under water after heavy rain. With no scores to report, now would be a good time to analyse each teams’ finals prospects as we head to the business end of the season.
First XI – currently in third spot on the ladder in the Norm Reeves Shield
Upwey-Tecoma are on a hot streak, winning their last seven matches, which sees them equal second on points with Ferntree Gully. Based on form, the Tigers should account for Knox Gardens and FTG Footballers, both at home. The Round 13 encounter with fellow finals aspirant Knoxfield away looms as key to their hopes of finishing top two and securing the double chance.
Skipper Jackson Waters will hope to continue his sublime form with the bat, currently second in the competition for runs with 442 at 63.14. Club Coach Julian Whetstone has emerged as one of the premier all-rounders of the FTGDCA this year, with 372 runs and 13 wickets to his name. The form of these two will be crucial in the quest for a Tiger flag.
Women’s XI – third in the Women’s League
A maiden finals appearance has been locked away, with the only question being how high can they finish? The Tigers play top (Knox Gardens) and second (South Belgrave) in the run home, meaning their destiny is in their own hands.
Skipper Jacqui Cooke has led from the front, amassing 140 runs opening the batting while only being dismissed once. With the ball, Kaitlytn Roleff has been the most potent with four wickets and a solid economy rate. The Tigers will be looking to these two to continue their good form and take them deep into the finals.
Second XI – second in Division three
It’s a case of fitting five teams into four spots in Division three, with Upwey-Tecoma currently second, half a game off top spot but only one game ahead of fifth. The equation is simple – keep winning and secure the double chance. Lose and risk missing out on the March action altogether.
Chris Jewell has been in superb touch all year, leading the runs with 384 and the wickets with 11. The ace up their sleeve is young spinner Darcy Whitten. He’s captured nine wickets and had proved a class above in recent matches. If his good form continues, he will prove a handful for the opposition come finals time.
Third XI – fifth in Division five
Sitting just outside the top four, the Tigers will likely have to win their remaining three fixtures to taste action in March, however their strong percentage may come into play (currently second highest in the division).
Wily all-rounder Brett Chapman (107 runs and four wickets) will have a huge say in this side’s finals hopes, having shrugged off an early-season injury to hit top form in recent weeks.
Fourth XI – fifth in Division seven
Upwey-Tecoma are sitting in fifth, with a tricky draw to round out their season. Three out of three wins will keep them in the hunt but they will also be reliant on other results to go their way.
The father-son trio of Gary, Campbell and Harry Gilbert have been massive contributors with both bat and ball and if the three can continue their fine form, who knows how far this team can go?
Under 16s – second in U16 Saxons Shield
The young Tigers are sitting equal top of the table, recovering from a sluggish start and having not dropped a game since Round two. A clash with fellow ladder leader Eildon Park looms large, with the prize being outright top spot and a potential ticket to a home grand final.
A season-ending injury to young speedster Hayden Smith will provide Coach Hunter Greenall with a bit to ponder. There is the depth to cover the loss however, with Zach Seal in great nick with the new ball. Plenty of runs have been flowing, with skipper Oskar Taylor leading the way with 225 runs and showing no signs of slowing down.
A very even spread of contributors across the team augers very well for a premiership tilt.
