https://www.dailymercury.com.au/news/semi-final-last-barrier-to-magpies-dream/3680508/ CRICKET: After falling out of love with the game, Magpies skipper Brant Attard has been rejuvenated by his young charges. He spent a year away from cricket believing he had achieved all he wanted to with the bat. Now, surrounded by an energetic group and a passionate coaching staff, Attard said he had rediscovered his passion on the pitch. He was enticed to Magpies by club president Brad Zurvas to guide a young team in need of an experienced leader. The collaboration has been a master-stroke, and Magpies' win over defending premiers Norths at the weekend has them dreaming of premiership glory. "These young guys have made me feel a bit younger and I seem to bounce around more in the field again,” Attard said.
"Brad has to take a lot of credit for it ... he is the heart and soul of the club. "I know we're doing the job on the field, but Brad is the one doing all the work and makes everything work for us.” Seven months ago, Attard would have laughed off suggestions of a grand final berth. After Magpies failed to win a game last season, it has been a stunning reversal of fortunes. A semi-final clash with Walkerston this weekend is now the only thing that stands between them and the big dance, with the winner to meet Norths. Attard has often led from the front with the bat; however, it was a telling partnership between Rhys McBride (68) and Ardene Ruhode (70) that guided the side to a competitive total. He said it was great to see the young contingent stand up now they have learned from the experienced players in the side. Fast bowler Todd Dixon and batsman Alec Townsend have joined Attard as more experienced heads in the side, and the skipper said their involvement had been instrumental in guiding the team to this position. "Todd has had a great year; he's really enjoyed himself with the younger fellas and he's teaching them so much about bowling in the right areas and working hard at training,” Attard said. "Alec's been great too ... even though he's quite young himself I go to him on the field and have a chat because he's got a really good cricket brain. He's been an awesome pick up for our club.” Bad light ended Norths' pursuit of Magpies 244 run total at the weekend. The defending premiers finished at 6/143 in the 36th over, losing the match on run rate with 102 runs still required. The last time Magpies met Walkerston, Attard said they were guilty of not coming to play with a "finals intensity” in the disappointing loss. However, with momentum now behind them, he said they were ready to make amends.
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November 2019
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