GSCA 2023-24: Kojonup captain Liam Want says team ready to fire in qualifying final against reigning champs

Kojonup captain Liam Want strongly believes his squad is fully immersed in the finals atmosphere as they mark their triumphant return to the Great Southern Cricket Association this season. In a remarkable return to the GSCA after a seven-year hiatus, Kojonup has emerged as one of the premiership fancies this campaign qualifying second on the ladder and securing a vital double-chance. They will travel to tackle back-to-back reigning premiers Broomehill on Saturday for the qualifying final, with the winner booking their spot in the grand final on Saturday, March 16. “It’s a positive vibe and the guys are pretty upbeat,” Want said. “A lot of the boys haven’t played cricket for a long time, so it is a bit of a new vibe but everyone is pretty excited about the proposition of what we can do in our first year. “There’s no expectations, it’s just have a red-hot crack and have a bit of fun and see where it takes us.” Broomehill enter the fixture on the back of a nine straight wins and boast three GSCA team of the year members, including player of the season Lewis Barritt, and Want said his side would have to be at their best. “We’ve just got to be on the top of our game,” he said. “When we beat them earlier in the year, we played really well but the two other times they beat us we haven’t been at our best. “They’ve got some very, very good players and if you give them an inch they will take a mile. “Everyone’s got to put in and try and get a bit out because that’s how you beat a good side.” A former premiership hero for Broomehill, Want bashed a crushing 133 in last season’s decider to help his now-rivals to their second successive GSCA title. However, the star batter insisted his relationships with his former teammates would be put aside come Saturday. “I’m definitely out there to try and crush them,” Want said. “I love the blokes and love playing against them and having that mateship. “They’re good fellas but we are out there trying to win and go through to the grand final. “No one wants to play two days of cricket in a row, so we’re aiming to win.” Kendenup will host Tambellup in a thrilling elimination final showdown, with the winner advancing through to Sunday’s preliminary. The loser of Broomehill and Kojonup will host the winner of the elimination final, to vie for the last spot in the decider.