The Grand Finals
vs.
45 league games, 4 semi finals, twists, turns, surprises, controversies, scandals, heartbreak and triumph, and it all boils down to this. 2 months down the line and we've reached the Grand Finals of PCPL 3! Manchester Divided vs. Vatican Victors, 3 games, winner takes all.
As in the semis, everything and anything can happen here. The form book goes out of the window, past records stand for nothing. All that matters is the 120 overs of cricket to be played over the next 6 days. The only thing standing in these team's way, is each other.
Man D's path to the finals has been a story of sheer dominance. 41 mill spent in the Nat auctions, only 3 games lost in 17 played, and the second most popular team in the league. There have been no half measures from this side, who have been shown all the traits of true champions - Skill, Planning, and Luck. Every player has raised their hands at different times and everyone has contributed to a win. Man D have had their eyes on this trophy right from the start after a humiliating PCPL 2, and they'll be damned if they don't win it.
Vatican however have made their way to the final not by dominating performances, but by picking their games and stealing wins at the right time. Having spent just 3.5 mill in the Nat auctions, about 1/12th of the amount Man D did, they are right at the bottom when it comes to budgets. However, that hasn't stopped them from being one of the only 2 teams to maintain a positive NRR in the leagues - Man D being the other. Lead by the canny mind of KI, Vatican's success has lied in their fantastic bowling attack and in making full use of their home advantage. And while their batting has failed the repeatedly, it was the reason they made it in the semis with a storming win the in the second leg after a typical tight, clever win in the first. Vatican have slipped more or less unnoticed through the league, despite being the third most popular side, and sides have paid the price for underestimating their capabilities. They'll be hoping Man D do the same, and having made it this far, don't be surprised if they come out of nowhere to usurp the title.
The first two games will be home and away, and if needed, a third game at a neutral location with a random pitch will be played.
I'll flip a coin to decide who plays at home first. Man D is head, VV tails. The coin is flipped...and it's tails! So the first game will be held in The Pope's Backyard, and the second at Monkey Park.
Round 1 - Vatican choose pitch type
Pitch in by 1:30 PM GMT 25/12/2009
Lineups in by 3 PM GMT 25/12/2009
Round 2 - Man D choose pitch type
Pitch in by 1:30 PM GMT 27/12/2009
Lineups in by 3 PM GMT 27/12/2009
45 league games, 4 semi finals, twists, turns, surprises, controversies, scandals, heartbreak and triumph, and it all boils down to this. 2 months down the line and we've reached the Grand Finals of PCPL 3! Manchester Divided vs. Vatican Victors, 3 games, winner takes all.
As in the semis, everything and anything can happen here. The form book goes out of the window, past records stand for nothing. All that matters is the 120 overs of cricket to be played over the next 6 days. The only thing standing in these team's way, is each other.
Man D's path to the finals has been a story of sheer dominance. 41 mill spent in the Nat auctions, only 3 games lost in 17 played, and the second most popular team in the league. There have been no half measures from this side, who have been shown all the traits of true champions - Skill, Planning, and Luck. Every player has raised their hands at different times and everyone has contributed to a win. Man D have had their eyes on this trophy right from the start after a humiliating PCPL 2, and they'll be damned if they don't win it.
Vatican however have made their way to the final not by dominating performances, but by picking their games and stealing wins at the right time. Having spent just 3.5 mill in the Nat auctions, about 1/12th of the amount Man D did, they are right at the bottom when it comes to budgets. However, that hasn't stopped them from being one of the only 2 teams to maintain a positive NRR in the leagues - Man D being the other. Lead by the canny mind of KI, Vatican's success has lied in their fantastic bowling attack and in making full use of their home advantage. And while their batting has failed the repeatedly, it was the reason they made it in the semis with a storming win the in the second leg after a typical tight, clever win in the first. Vatican have slipped more or less unnoticed through the league, despite being the third most popular side, and sides have paid the price for underestimating their capabilities. They'll be hoping Man D do the same, and having made it this far, don't be surprised if they come out of nowhere to usurp the title.
The first two games will be home and away, and if needed, a third game at a neutral location with a random pitch will be played.
I'll flip a coin to decide who plays at home first. Man D is head, VV tails. The coin is flipped...and it's tails! So the first game will be held in The Pope's Backyard, and the second at Monkey Park.
Round 1 - Vatican choose pitch type
Pitch in by 1:30 PM GMT 25/12/2009
Lineups in by 3 PM GMT 25/12/2009
Round 2 - Man D choose pitch type
Pitch in by 1:30 PM GMT 27/12/2009
Lineups in by 3 PM GMT 27/12/2009
