The Great New Rivalry
by Bertrand Bloggs
Ahead of what promises to be a compelling Dev League season, a quickly developing rivalry between CW Red and CW Blue has given the usually tame pre-season friendlies a major edge. Blue and Red finished at the bottom of the table in both forms of the game in Season 8, and some tough games were played towards the end of the season as each team attempted to avoid taking out the wooden spoon. Tensions seemed to have eased during the off-season, but in the days leading up to the announcement of the schedule for Season 9, some harsh words were exchanged in public between members of the two teams. Two members in particular had their differences thrust into the spotlight, with young Blue paceman Travis Demeza and rising-star Red batsman Rob Dauth exchanging insults and sarcastic quips, and with several members of each team coming in on the defence for their teammates the situation quickly escalated.
When the CWBCC released their schedule for Season 9, it included no less than two warm-up friendlies between the Blues and the Reds. Speculation about the potential for a fiery encounter immediately began, and I caught up with second-season Blue all-rounder Sean Fuller after the final Blue training session before opening match to talk to him about it.
Firstly, is there a rivalry developing between Blue and Red, or is it just a bit of hype?
I think there's definately something there. I don't think I should say much more than that, but yeah...
So, how much does this rivalry mean to the Blues?
Oh, well I can't speak for the rest of the team obviously, but for me it's certainly something I'm not going to back down from. I mean, some of the stuff that a few of their players have been coming out with in the pre-season has been ridiculous, not just directed at us but also at the Colts. Insults, bragging... the way they go on you'd think the Reds were a test-standard team. Plus, it's an extra motivational factor for us, which can't hurt at all. I'm not suggesting I want anyone to get hurt out there or anything, but even with experimental line-ups on both sides it would be sweet to score a win, and I'd love to see guys like Dauth and Dobson take a bit of heat. The real competition will begin with the regular season, and we might be able to take an advantage out of these games if we go well.
Can we expect any change in play style from the Blues then?
I don't think Liam will be doing anything different. We'll go out there and play hard cricket as we always do, but obviously there might be a bit more feeling in this game than there would be for a normal pre-season friendly. Normally you'd just want to spend some time in the middle, have a look at the new players, find some form, you know? But I think we really want to win this, and if that means slipping in a couple of extra bouncers or having a word in the ear of the batsman when you're fielding close, well I think a few of us will be up for that.
How about the Blues as a team this year, what are your goals, and who should we watch out for?
Well we want to win everything, don't we? I think we've got a great side, some of the rookies from last season will be hitting their straps, and I think we can beat anyone if we play to our full abilities. I'd definately keep an eye out for big Trav Demeza, he's one of the best young bowlers going around I think, and he's worked hard in the off-season with his club side and the Academy - I think he's going to tear it up this season to be honest. I'd also look out for De Silva, who had a great debut season, and obviously the stars we all know about like Andrew, Liam, Pete and Simon who will be just as keen as the rest of us to have a successful year.
And you as a player?
I just want to keep my place in the team and contribute however I can. If I can improve on last season and we do well as a team, I'll be happy.
Alright, thanks for your time, and good luck tomorrow.
Thanks.