TAHARA and College will face-off in the Hamilton and District Cricket Association D grade decider, with the two games earlier in the season won by the home team on both occasions.

Today’s clash should be a high-scoring contest at PP3, with both teams having strong batting line-ups on a ground with what should have a fast outfield.

Tahara skipper, Jayden Dark said he was expecting another tough outing against the Eagles.

“College has always been a good side, they beat us early in the year at their home ground and we beat them later in the year at our home ground,” he said.

“Either way, it will be a good game, whether we bat first or bowl first, we need to take our chances and get early wickets.

“It would be nice to get the two opening batters out cheap early or if we bat first, we just have to be smart and make enough runs they can’t chase.”

For College, it is a lot of youth mixed in with some experience from the likes of skipper, Martin Clark, and John Austin, with Clark excited about the opportunity to test themselves against the Bluecaps.

“The whole Tahara team is dangerous and could help their side win the game,” he said.

“Archie McKay and Alexander McAdam are both bowling extremely well at moment, Fletcher Wheeler is in good form with the bat and of course the old stager and ever reliable Colin Myers.”

Wheeler is coming off an unbeaten century in last week’s semi-final, and goes into the decider sitting second on the D grade list with 432 runs for the season, while Clark is fourth with 389, with both players pivotal to posting a strong score for their respective teams.

College has been a top two team all season, while Tahara has been building since Christmas, setting up an intriguing grand final contest this afternoon.