Jan Juc and Surf Coast to clash in twilight preseason hitout

THE Jan Juc Sharks and the Surf Coast Suns will face off in a preseason twilight clash on Grand Final Friday at the newly named Captain’s Catch Oval.

The clubs have capitalised on the public holiday to showcase local talent and ignite a cross-town rivalry at the home of the Suns in Torquay North.

Sharks A Grade captain Nicholas Hyden said the club was looking forward to the match.

“It’s a great opportunity, particularly under lights as well — not something a lot of local players get to experience.

“From a playing perspective, it’s an opportunity to implement the skills and focus areas we’ve been working on through the preseason, pressing for a spot in Round 1.

“For the supporters, [it’s] an opportunity to get a look at the juniors pushing into the senior ranks and any new players we have.

“Opportunities like this to get our community together at the beginning of the season, to build optimism and confidence…is a great springboard into the season.”

Suns president Ben Tekin said the match would put his club in good stead for the season.

“For our club, in its third year in the BPCA, it’s a significant opportunity to play Jan Juc who’ve been a highly successful club for some time,” he said.

“We enjoy engaging each year to build on this occasion, to create more excitement around the upcoming season with new and existing players given the opportunity to play with freedom and apply their sharpened skills.

“Events like this, in a slightly more relaxed setting, are excellent in the lead up to the season in getting our wider community together, particularly on a public holiday.

“We enjoy bottling this up and connecting up with Jan Juc. They’ve been highly supportive since our inception to senior cricket.”

The B, C and D grades will come together for a 20-over match on Friday, September 26 starting at 12.30pm, with the A grades to face off in a 40-over match that starts at 3.30pm.