Mulgrave out to prove final point
MIRACLE workers Mulgrave will look to prove it is the rightful minor premiers when Cricket Far North first grade semi-finals start today.
Mulgrave leapt from fifth to first courtesy of a final-round outright victory over Innisfail last weekend and hosts fourth-placed United at Fretwell Park, with Atherton (second) meeting Rovers (third) in the other semi-final at Tolga Park.
Mulgrave captain Wade Frazer said yesterday that victory over United would help vindicate the team’s top billing.
"We have to prove we belong," he said.
"(But) everyone starts on an even keel in semi-finals so it will be whoever has a good day (will win it).
"You need to respect the opposition at all times."
The first grade semi-finals will be battled out today and tomorrow with each day’s play to consist of 100 overs, weather permitting, providing a tough test for the players.
Frazer was confident his young team would respond well to the pressure of finals cricket and that the extended hours of play would assist their development as players.
"It’s definitely a different style of game but it’s good for the young fellas to be exposed to it, especially if they want to play rep cricket," he said.
Both matches start at 10am today with play continuing at 10am tomorrow.
The semi-final winners will contest the grand final to be battled out on the weekends of March 20-21 and March 27-28 at Griffiths Park No.1.
Cricket Far North final points: First grade: 1. Mulgrave 45.65, 2. Atherton 44.91, 3. Rovers 43.65, 4. United 38.17, 5. Norths 36.47, 6. Innisfail *23.22, 7. Barron River 23.06. * denotes six-point penalty deducted.
Second grade: 1. Port Douglas 55.80, 2. United 50.87, 3. Rovers 50.70, 4. Innisfail 44.45, 5. Mareeba 42.74, 6. Norths 40.76, 7. Atherton 27.86, 8. Mulgrave 36.88.
Third grade: 1. Mission Beach 54.07, 2. Barron River 46.67, 3. Mulgrave 43.83, 4. Rovers 43.24, 5. Innisfail 38.02, 6. Norths 31.65, 7. United 28.95, 8. Port Douglas 24.37.
Fourth grade (progressive, final round yet to be played): 1. Rovers 44.85, 2. Innisfail 44.42, 3. United 34.44, 4. Mulgrave 33.44, 5. Atherton 28.48, 6. Barron River 24.46, 7. Mareeba 23.86.
Share this article
Determined: Mulgrave captain Wade Frazer.
Summer haunts Northern Pride's Cantoni
MARK Cantoni was driven through the hellish heat of a Far Northern summer by the memories of what he describes as his worst feeling in football.
Cairns Taipans president pleads for fair go
THE Cairns Taipans have called for their support of the NBL this season to be rewarded with a place in next year's competition.
Cairns swimmer, 86, joins masters action
JIM Nimmo was going to retire from competitive swimming this year.
17 teams up for cup in Mareeba
MAREEBA premier division co-coach Alex Srhoj says the club is buzzing at the return of Mazda Cup competition to the FNQ region soccer calendar.
Northern Pride's Riethmuller ready for corker
POWERHOUSE Northern Pride forward Joel Riethmuller is sure he will overcome a corked back in time for tomorrow night's Queensland Cup clash with the Sunshine Coast.
