Fale ready to add to his tally

New Plymouth Old Boys captain Brad Fale cannot explain the transformation in his form since Christmas.

The burly right-hand batsman couldn't buy a run before the festive break. Three months on and the skipper has fast become the mainstay of the defending champion's batting line-up, scoring several half centuries before capping the run of form when he reached his maiden century for his club, with 108 against Woodleigh last weekend.

"I needed to find some form because it was getting ridiculous (before Christmas)," he said. "I was walking around with my bottom lip down a bit and I thought, `Bugger this, I've had enough after this season.' But I've stuck to it, got a few runs and got my confidence back."

Fale will again get his chance to face up to the Woodleigh attack this weekend when the two sides meet again in the semifinals of the Yarrows premier two-day competition at New Plymouth's Western Park.

Old Boys, which qualified second, proved far too strong when the two sides met in the last round, beating Woodleigh by an innings and 26 runs.

While Fale could be forgiven for being complacent ahead of the match, he said his side was all too aware of the batting potential Woodleigh had at its disposal, including Taranaki rep Hayden Whiting, David Collingwood and Moritz Hartmann.

"We don't know who is turning up, but I suppose it's semifinal time, so I guess everyone will be available."

Woodleigh manager Gerald Meuli confirmed the New Plymouth side would be at full-strength, with talented left arm spinner Andrew Mason available.

Fale was hopeful yesterday that forecast showers would stay away over the next two days and the two sides managed a full game.

"We always want to play and we back ourselves as well," he said. "The two-day game is our game and we've got batsmen in form right through our order."

Top-qualifier Inglewood will start a clear favourite against fourth-placed Hawera United at Karo Park. Inglewood was equally as impressive as Old Boys last round, beating Stratford by an innings and 36 runs.

The home side will welcome back a number of its regular players for the match, including Taranaki allrounder Jason Dombroski who is returning from Massey University to play.

Hawera United is also at full strength, with regular captain Alex Goodin recovering sufficiently from a hand injury.

The visitors have a number of talented batsmen who are capable of large scores. It does, however, rely heavily on English pace bowler Nathan Hawkes as its main strike weapon, something that could prove decisive as both sides chase a spot in next week's final.

- © Fairfax NZ News