Ahead of the third round of the Stribley Shield this weekend, Dave Field and the rest of the Yass Yabbies are preparing for a relatively unknown challenge.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Yabbies are set to take on Young this weekend at Gus Smith Oval, following their most recent victory over Cootamundra two weeks ago.
The only problem, according to Field, is that Young is new to the Riverina competition, and Yass doesn’t know what to expect.
“Young’s always been in a different competition to us,” Field said.
“So we’ve hardly ever really played them.
“We don’t know a lot about them, but they should be pretty strong.”
Playing away from home should prove a particular challenge for Field and his team, who have so far played two matches at Victoria Park.
“I dunno what to expect [from the Young wicket], to tell the truth,” Field said.
“I’d say with all this weather around, there might be a bit of life in it … it might be a bit of a bowling pitch, I’d reckon.”
Young are not to be underestimated by any team. Their most recent match was against Gundegai, who they duly eviscerated for 40 before chasing down the runs in four and a half overs.
Although Gundegai was a man short, the bowlers still managed to spread the wickets around fairly evenly, which would indicate a bowling attack very comfortable in home conditions.
However, they will have to combat a very confident Yass team, who Field believes improved vastly against Cootamundra.
“Our batting improved a lot last game,” Field said.
“As long as our fielding improves, I think we should go close to winning.”
The fielding during the last Stribley Shield match was sub-par, but Field is confident that the two weeks between fixtures should be enough to make some amends.
On a personal note, Field and Yass opening bowler Craig Irwin will go into the match fresher than usual, as the Snipers have a bye on Saturday and will be afforded a rest.
“Yeah, [I’ll be] going in fresh. I was a bit sore last Sunday after we played from the Saturday.
“Should be good for me and Craig Irwin, we’re not getting any younger.”
The third round of the Stribley Shield will take place on December 10. Yass will face Young at Gus Smith Oval in Young, starting from 10am.
