CRICKET: Maryvale– Condamine has been the best team all season but there is no truer statement than “the season starts again in the first week of the finals”.

Maryvale is the defending champion but the side’s opponent tomorrow at Slade Park, Wheatvale, has had the greatest finals success in Condamine Cup cricket in the past two decades.

The Wheatvale combination is transforming with some younger players taking more of the responsibility.

Two of those, the Breen brothers, could share the new ball tomorrow.

Experienced paceman Chris Cantwell knows a lot about fast bowling and reckons James is marginally the faster of the two when on song but batsmen have to watch out for the extra outswing of Jack.

As for the threat from Maryvale, Chris said Jason Steketee and two of the young Bourkes, Pat and Tom, would be prize wickets.

“Michael Bourke tends to bat lower down these days for Maryvale but digs in and is the ideal batsman in finals,” he said.

Chris is certain to be used in the first 15 overs by his cousin and team captain, Paul Cantwell.

As for the wicket, Chris expects the wicket to take a bit of spin but his side’s main spinner, Cameron Stevens, is unavailable.

Looking down the pitch at Maryvale, Chris said Scott McLennan was a classy left-arm orthodox spinner who bowled faster than most spinners.

“He is one to watch,” Chris said.

The major semi-final between Maryvale and Wheatvale at Slade Park starts at 9.45am tomorrow.

Both A-grade semis will be played over 50 overs.

The winner of the game at Slade Park will qualify for the grand final a fortnight from today and the loser will play the winner of the Allora/Rascals semi in next weekend’s preliminary final.

As in previous years, the team with the lower spot in finals games needs a dry weekend because, if games are washed out, the leading team proceeds to the next week of finals. Spectators welcome to watch in Slade Park clubhouse.