Boland hungry for silverware, says fast bowler Keith Dudgeon

Boland fast bowler Keith Dudgeon has told Independent Media that the Paarl-based unit has learned from its mistakes in last season's CSA One Day Cup final as they brace to host the CSA T20 Challenge at Boland Park on Sunday. 

Dudgeon and his teammates won a close encounter against the Warriors at Boland Park on Tuesday night, beating coach Robin Peterson's side by five runs in Qualifier One and booking a spot in a final at home. 

Having played in a domestic One Day Cup final last season, where they lost to the Dolphins, Dudgeon believes they have learned lessons from their mistakes in the One Day Cup final. 

The fast bowler reckons that they have an understanding of how conditions play at Boland Park and believes that feat will see them through to the promised land in the final on Sunday. 

"The language is, last year we made some mistakes, we sort of had that final in the bag, and we let it go," Dudgeon told Independent Media.  

"So, learning from those mistakes, and the more often that you're in those situations, the better you are for it. So, you learn from those mistakes, and then from there, you can obviously make up for it.

"I think we've sort of found a really good way to play at home. So I think the boys are feeling excited, and the language used is, we've been doing the right things, we need to go out and do it again.

"Do it one more time, follow the same process and back yourself and just enjoy being out in the park with the players. It's not every day you get to be in a final."

Dudgeon currently sits at fourth place in the T20 Challenge's leading wicket-takers list, having taken a tally of 13 wickets in 6 innings. 

The 30-year-old often shares the new ball with Proteas seamer Glenton Stuurman, making a deadly duo up front. 

The older ball and the middle-overs are often taken by Shaun von Berg, an experienced wrist spinner for the Boland unit. Dudgeon says playing with such talented players has elevated his game to the next level. 

"Coming to Boland and playing in the SA20 for the Paarl Royals, that was where I really sort of identified myself, and I found what made me good," Dudgeon said. 

"And then my mantra and sort of stick to what it is that I do best. I don't do anything outside of what I'm capable of. I know what I'm good at, I try and stick to that, and I try and repeat it.

"And then you mix that with the experience of Shaun von Berg and Glenton, if you've got a feeling that this could be a bouncer, they might be the voice in your ear to say, not now, or let's try this plan for this batter.

"Just that little bit of extra sounding board has made a huge difference, and it's obviously allowed me to shine in a side full of stars."

Boland awaits an opponent for the final that is scheduled to get underway at 1 pm SAST.