Rivals reach Hua Hin finals

Rivals reach Hua Hin finals

The teams sorted themselves out yesterday at the Bangkok Post-Hua Hin Cricket Sixes.

With the finals now set, some players, most notably Bobby Raina and Mudassir of the Thailand Colts, two of the tournament's most talented stars, will be disappointed that their teams did not make the cut.

However, fans at the Dusit Thai Hua Hin Resort won't be disappointed as they will be seeing fiercely contested games between teams that fought hard to play on the last day of the tournament today.

In the Veterans competition, the four teams in the top-level semi-finals know each other all too well.

Western Plains are a perennial contender, who take their cue from top batsman Barry Hopper, who has not been out even once in the tournament.

Each of the other three teams have been in the finals in the past two years.

Leongatha Woodchoppers are the defending champions who have a strong all-around team led by captain Fozzy Forrester.

Gold Coast Tigers lost in last year's finals, and bring back the heart of that team, led by the reliable Noel Emzin, volatile Colonel Sanders and dynamic Derek Delany.

The fourth semi-finalist, Baden Powell, won two years ago and feature a determined, talented group of experienced players guided by captain and all-rounder Graeme Wilson. In the Masters, Melbourne are the favourites and undefeated. They bat and bowl well all down their line-up.

They are led by Colin Murphy, a strong hitter of the ball and invaluable last-over bowler.

Other contenders for the Masters trophy also present strong challenges for Melbourne.

Willsmere Wanderers won two years ago, and their core of captain all-rounder David Banks and the father and son combination of Paul and Will Kelly have been in fine form.

Purple Helmets have some of the heaviest hitters in Hua Hin, while Cludens' duo of Justin Verlin and Sam Lielups have shown they can take over any game.

In the Cup, Thai Thevada are looking good with their three top-level players — Ben Rorher, Aaron O'Brien and Mick Lewis. They head into the finals top of the table.

Action begins at 8.30am with a special women's match. The three finals start at about 2.50pm and finish around 5pm. Admission is free.

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