The NSW Country Championships final isn't a new cricketing experience for Nick Foster.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He estimates around "eight or nine" appearances, and almost as many titles, over the course of his nearly two-decade representative career.
But this Sunday in Keira facing hosts Greater Illawarra, marks the first time Foster will captain Newcastle in a decider.
"It's a pretty big honour," Foster told the Newcastle Herald.
"I was pretty chuffed because I didn't really think the opportunity would arise.
"Over the last 30 or 40 years there haven't been that many [Newcastle captains]. Guys like Prawns [Mark Curry], Armsy [Greg Arms], Murray Christie, Simon [Moore] and Splinter [Mark Littlewood]."
Newcastle qualified for the upcoming showdown after an undefeated 50-over campaign on the Central Coast a fortnight ago.
Price returned for the third and all-important encounter, but Foster continued in charge.
Foster, an off-spinner and right-handed batsman, will again lead the team out.
"I've always been pretty passionate about playing for Newcastle anyway," he said.
"Nothing much changes for me really and I'm pretty lucky to have a few experienced guys around."
Foster feels Newcastle will carry batting depth against Greater Illawarra, who were unbeaten in the southern pool preliminary rounds played in Goulburn on the weekend.
"We bat deep," he said.
"That's probably our strength and if we can get off to a good start, whether chasing or up front, that will help put us in a good position."
Newcastle, who have named an unchanged 14-man squad, will travel down to Wollongong on Saturday night.
Meanwhile, the two-day section of the Newcastle District Cricket Association first grade competition starts on Saturday with Foster's club Stockton and Northern Districts away to City at Learmonth Park.
Undefeated ladder leaders Hamilton-Wickham host Wallsend at Passmore Oval with visiting Tigers all-rounder Jacob Montgomery coming off back-to-back hundreds.
Wests, who won three games in a row to qualify for the Tom Locker Cup one-day final on November 24, are at home to Toronto at Harker Oval.
Third-placed Merewether welcome back skipper Simon Moore from injury but lose veteran Tim O'Neill (unavailable) against University at University Oval.
Waratah-Mayfield are without last-round centurion Lachlan Curtis (work) against Cardiff-Boolaroo at Waratah Oval.
Charlestown are away to Belmont at Cahill Oval.
Play commences at 11am on both days.
