Jared Wilson is hoping to inspire underdogs Cliftonville Academy to T20 Cup glory as they face favourites Instonians in the Lagan Valley Steels decider at Waringstown on Sunday.

Wilson is player/coach of a side who have set aside their League struggles to be the surprise package of the shortest format, and go into the game with no fear.

“It’s certainly been an interesting League campaign where we have lost a few games by small margins,” said Wilson.

“Against Instonians for example, I was on 95 as we were chasing 325 and there was a long delay looking for a lost ball and my concentration was broken, getting out the next ball. We lost that game by just 10 runs.

“There was another match where we also came out the wrong side of a tight contest versus Muckamore, and in that I and our overseas player Abhishek (Raut) got nought.

“If we had won both those then our season would have been on a different trajectory, and we would have been in the top six rather than in the bottom four.

“In the T20 campaign we have played some really good cricket and it’s exciting to be in the Final.

“It’s obviously going to be tough against Instonians who are flying in all competitions, but T20 cricket can be a bit of a leveller, making it a more even contest.

“They’re full of confidence with the season they’re having, but we have got a few wins recently that will help us in the Final.

The South African born all-rounder came to Northern Ireland as a teenager, enjoying success with Ardmore and Newbuildings in the North-West, before switching to Cliftonville Academy where he started initially as a director of cricket, before moving to his current role.

“I came here to Ireland not really knowing anything about the place to be honest,” he said.

“I started at Ardmore where I really enjoyed it and we had a lot of success. I also captained Newbuildings to the Premiership and Faughan Valley Cup.

“We just missed out on the treble, beaten by Fox Lodge in the Senior Cup Final in one of the best games I’ve ever played in.

“The crowd, the pressure, the atmosphere. It was just an incredible occasion.

“I loved my time in the region, and still am based in Derry, along with my partner Shannon, and two sons Eden and Reuben who are aged four and two.

“It’s a great place and the people are just so warm and funny. It was a bit of a change from Cape Town but six years later I’m still here and looking forward to the future.”

He’s relishing the opportunity to add more silverware to his collection, hoping an all-round team effort can topple the Shaw’s Bridge side

“There’s a massive buzz around the club ahead of the Final,” said the 25-year-old.

“It’s certainly going to be one of the proudest days in the club’s history and we have the players to achieve that.

“To win one of the biggest trophies in domestic cricket would be great for all at the club, and we will be trying hard to do that.

“We have a great opening partnership with Abhishek Raut, who has played in the IPL, and Frank Collins. They’ve laid the foundation with strong starts, and the middle-order has backed that up.

“We have a varied bowling attack with plenty of variety. Matthew McCord, John Glass, Ben Kane, Abhishek and myself have complemented each other well.

“We don’t really have any superstars, but what we do have is a real team ethic.

“That’s been the hallmark of our success in the T20’s and If we all stick together and fire, there’s no reason why we can’t lift the trophy on Sunday.”

The Final on Sunday is part of a double-header with Bangor meeting Cregagh in the T20 Trophy ahead of the main event (11.00am).

There’s also a busy League programme on Saturday with leaders Instonians hosting North Down, second-placed Waringstown travelling to Muckamore, and CIYMS at home to Lisburn.

In the bottom four Templepatrick entertain CSNI, while Cliftonville Academy warm up for their big day with a home clash against Woodvale.