The ACT Premier First Grade Men's Douglas Cup Grand Final is set to unfold this weekend at EPC Solar Park, featuring a thrilling contest between the reigning champions, Queanbeyan District Cricket Club, and the challengers, North Canberra-Gungahlin Cricket Club starting from Friday March 21.
Defending champions Queanbeyan are looking to go back-to-back after securing last season’s title, while North Canberra-Gungahlin is aiming for their first-ever premiership in club history.
Cricket ACT spoke to Queanbeyan wicket-keeper batsman Mikey McNamara and Norths Captain Nicholas Wood ahead of the big dance.
“I mean, we're both top of the table for a reason. Northies probably have the top three bowlers in the competition at the moment, with Woody (Nicholas Wood) and Pagey (Hayden Page), and McGurk, who are taking their wickets well and truly fairly on a tough wicket at North's. So, I think we'll have a challenge cut out for us for sure but we’re looking forward to that challenge.” Said McNamara.
Queanbeyan enters the final with the ambition of securing back-to-back titles, having clinched the prestigious Douglas Cup last season with a commanding performance against Weston Creek Molonglo. In that match, standout contributions from players like Nic Broes and Tyler Van Luin, who both scored centuries, were instrumental in their team's success.
On the other hand, North Canberra-Gungahlin is poised to claim their first-ever premiership in this competition. Their journey to the final has been marked by a determined team, setting the stage for a historic opportunity to etch their name onto the Douglas Cup.
Norths captain Nicholas Wood expressed excitement rather than nerves heading into the decider.
“No, not a lot of nerves, we’re just very excited. It’s the first time in a final for a few years, so yeah, we’re just really keen… it's been so many years since it’s happened, but I think there's a lot of people coming out of the woodwork to support us, and it'll mean a whole lot to them, and it'll mean a lot to us as well.”
With Queanbeyan seeking to cement their dominance and North Canberra-Gungahlin pushing for a historic breakthrough, cricket fans are encouraged to attend and support local cricket at EPC Solar Park this weekend, as these two formidable teams vie for the coveted title.