Mate against mate if rain holds

Mark Denmeade in action for Lennox Head.

MOTHER Nature will prevail over Far North Coast LJ Hooker League cricket again this weekend with play today in three matches already cancelled and the others in doubt.

One match still with a chance to get on is the local derby where Lennox Head hosts Tintenbar-East Ballina.

Tintenbar-East Ballina captain Phil Dalli said his men were as primed as ever, with plenty to play for.

“It’s always a good little battle between the neighbouring teams,” Dalli said.

“The season has been a bit disappointing, but we would love to finish the year by winning a game of cricket.”

Dalli said his team was keen to get the points with bragging rights standing all year until summer rolls around again.

“A lot of the blokes know each other and a few of our boys live at Lennox; they are keen to perform or else they will cop it all through the off-season.”

Dalli, who has hit a century and a 60 in the New Year, concedes the Lennox Head bowling attack is its strength, but insists his men are looking forward to the challenge.

He, along with his batting line-up, is yet to face Sri Lankan spinning import Jeewan De Silva.

“We are looking forward to facing up him. It will certainly be something different,” Dalli said.

Lennox Head hasn’t won a two-day match since defeating winless Pottsville in the fourth round, but their captain Mark Denmeade says his men will also be up for a big showing to end the season.

“The boys are keen for this one – the local derby,” Denmeade said.

“We have had some good clashes over the years and this match is shaping up to be just as good.”

Like Dalli, Denmeade is disappointed that the final month of the season has been hit by rain, but he is far from disappointed with his team.

“It’s not ideal to be missing out on the finals, but we haven’t played too badly,” he said.

“This match should give everyone a chance to have a good crack without any pressure.”

Play in Hooker League matches at Ballina and Lismore has been called off.

Reduced to one-dayers next Saturday are the heavyweight clash between Ballina Bears and Casino Cavaliers, the Lismore derby between Workers and Brothers, and the match between Southern Districts and Cudgen .