Mulbring have edge in experience over Supporters in grand final

Venue: Carmichael Park, Bellbird 12.30pm start Saturday, March 10.

Head to head:  Scheduled 3, Mulbring 0, Supporters 0, Washouts 3.

Last Season: Minor/Major Premiers.

Captain: Cameron Ross

Premierships: Eleven (1971-72, 1992-93, 1994-95, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2005-06, 2010-11, 2011-12, joint 2012-13, 2015-16, 2016-17).

Key Three: Drew Olsen, Josh Lewis, Ben Neaves

X-Factor: Cameron Ross

Last Season: Not in competition.

Captain: Troy Culley

Premierships: Five (1987-88, 1988-89, 1993-94, joint 1999-00, 2000-01).

Key Three: Troy Culley, Nathan Stapleford, Jordan Goldman

X-Factor: Andrew Nicolai

After Mulbring and Bellbird had met in the premiership decider over the past three years, Mulbring have themselves a new opponent in Supporters Club who returned to the top grade this season after a year off.

Both teams finished on equal points at the completion of the competition rounds, with Mulbring snatching the minor premiership by the smallest of quotient margins.

Surprisingly though, this will be the first time the two teams have met due to three washouts during the season.

The premiership decider makes its way to the western suburbs of Cessnock for the first time in Carmichael Park, Bellbird.

This venue is traditionally renowned for it’s very favourable batting conditions on a road-like wicket, small boundaries and lightning fast outfield.

The toss will play an important role in the match, with the team batting first expected to post a 220-plus total to be competitive.

Both teams pose plenty of strike power at the top of their respective batting line ups to lay the platform, but one feels that the slow bowlers in Cameron Ross (Mulbring) and Jordan Goldman (Supporters) will play a vital role in restricting the flow of runs.

Supporters have done extremely well to make the decider in their first year back in the top grade after a lay-off, and will be desperate to break the premiership drought that has existed since 2000-01.

Having said this the big game experience of Mulbring, who have featured prominently in premiership deciders over the past decade to claim five championships, might be just enough to give them their third straight title.

Prediction:  Mulbring.