CLEM Young Oval will host a season decider again after several years without any grand final action, and the battle between minor premier, Tahara, and second-placed College is shaping up to be a thrilling finale to the Hamilton and District Cricket Association (HDCA) B grade season.

The venue has been a great cricket wicket this summer, with the new ball bowlers gaining assistance from the surface and the top order batsmen having to play straight to ensure they make runs.

The wicket then tends to flatten out after the tea break and is a very good batting surface where players can cash in as the ball comes onto the bat.

There is something in this wicket for all types of players, be they batsmen or bowlers, pace or spin and it tests each players skill throughout.

College will go into the clash full of confidence, having beaten the Bluecaps by 23 runs in round 13, and skipper, Jonathan Jenkin said younger players had contributed a significant amount and backed the juniors to stand up under grand final pressure.

“Making the grand final represents reward for the growth in our young players this season,” he said.

“We have had 10 high school aged lads play, of which seven are still playing at Under-16 level.

“Many of these will play in either the B or D grand final which a fantastic reward for these guys and a testament to the (club’s) junior cricket program.

“It’s been a unique season given we have played each other many times (and) despite this, our team has changed every game we have played Tahara based on availability. 

“Many of the contests between the two sides have been very close and a great contest (and today) promises to be no different.

“Finals I’ve played in are often decided based on contributions (big or small) from all team members at different times through the day.

“Like us, Tahara has some great young and developing players (and) I expect them to have a large role to play in determining the outcome.” 

The Bluecaps will be chasing a second consecutive B grade premiership this afternoon and skipper, Marcus Rhook said the team was excited to once again be involved in the grand final.

“Reaching the grand final means a lot to us, as we all feel that we have worked very hard and done our best to step up our game this year,” he said.

“We didn’t play in a semi-final, but since the last round, there will be a few changes to the team.

“I think this year we are three wins and two losses against College, so this tells our team that we are going to have to bring our A game this weekend and that anything could happen.”

The game gets underway at 1pm.