Weekend's matches determine Mercantile Mutual Cup finalist

This weekend's Mercantile Mutual Cup matches determine who will play the Western Warriors in next Sunday's final at the WACA Ground.

The Warriors, on 29 points, won the right to host the final when the Southern Redbacks lost to the Queensland Bulls on Friday 9 February. The Redbacks' loss meant the Warriors could not be knocked off top spot on the ladder.

For the Redbacks to meet the Warriors in the final, they need to win their home game against the Victorian Bushrangers on Saturday, and rely on the Tasmanian Tigers to defeat the NSW Blues at the SCG on Sunday.

Should the Redbacks lose on Saturday, the Blues v Tigers match on Sunday becomes an unofficial semi-final, with the winner advancing to the final.

The Warriors have an outstanding domestic one-day record. A win this year will be the first back-to-back win since NSW completed the feat in 1992-93 / 93-94. The Warriors defeated the Bulls by 45 runs in last year's final.

The Warriors are chasing a record 11th domestic one-day title. The final will be the third that the Warriors have hosted in five years. Coach Wayne Clark has been at the helm for all of these finals and his departure at the end of the season will give the Warriors more incentive to win. -more-

Record holder for the most domestic one-day appearances, and Warriors captain, Tom Moody, will have his own reason for wanting to lift the Mercantile Mutual Cup next Sunday - this will be his last Mercantile Mutual Cup match.

The Warriors are undefeated at home this year, however they lost their last match to the NSW Blues on 4 February at North Sydney Oval. They are currently playing against the Queensland Bulls in Brisbane, but this match has no impact on the final.

The WACA Ground final starts at 10.30am, gates open at 9.30am. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.

Darrell Hair and Daryl Harper will officiate the match with Randolph Woolridge the third umpire and Ric Evans the match referee.

Games this weekend

Saturday 17 February - Southern Redbacks v Victorian Bushrangers at the Adelaide Oval

Sunday 18 February - NSW Blues v Tasmanian Tigers at the Sydney Cricket Ground.