By Tara Murray
Lancefield is hoping to finish the season on a high, and earn a finals berth in the process, in Gisborne and District Cricket Association Jensen Shield Sub District Firsts.
Sitting in sixth, nine points outside the top four, the Tigers need a bit of luck to go their way to sneak into the top four.
Tigers’ captain Ryan Millar said they know what the equation is heading into the final two games of the season.
“To keep the season alive we have to win our final two games and it gives us a chance.
“We’re hoping results will go our way and hopefully seal a finals berth.”
The Tigers started well in their quest to win their final two matches, and are on top against Blackwood after day one.
While Blackwood sits bottom of the ladder, Millar said they weren’t a team to take lightly.
The Tigers bowled Blackwood out for 174.
“That’s about par on our ground,” Millar said.
“We bowled really well and it’ll be a good challenge for us to try and chase it down.”
Luke Harrison was the pick of the bowlers with 3-35, while three other players took two wickets each.
The Tigers got off to the worse start with the bat and were in trouble at 2-5. They steadied to be 2-48 at stumps.
Millar said they were confident of getting the job done.
“We’re confident with the team that we have in we can get the runs against any team,” he said.
“We would rather be zero or one wicket down [but] After losing two wickets in the first three overs, the main thing was not to lose any more wickets and not worry about the runs.
“To be 2-48 is a bonus and we’ve still got eight wickets in hand.
“If we can get the runs in this game it keeps the finals hopes alive.”
Jarryd McGill will resume on 24 not out, with Millar 18 not out.
A finals berth would be a win for the Tigers who dropped down from the top division in the off season after losing a number of players.
Millar said the Jensen Shield was the right level for them to be playing at this stage.
“We’ve been competitive in most matches,” he said.
“Anyone can beat anyone, and with the young guys in the side we’re starting to gel together as a team.
“We’re not being smashed around, so we’re at the right level at this point of time with our younger guys getting exposure with both the bat and ball.”
Millar said Lachlan Bendeich and Cameron Stein were two of the younger players benefitting for the opportunities they are getting.
He said the two had been part of the senior side for most of the season.
“Lachie with the bat and ball has been really good,” he said.
“He’s been opening our bowling all season. He takes everything on board and tries to do it.
“Cam is at training every week and has shown some bits and pieces.”
In other matches, Macedon again piled on the runs, this time against St Anthonys.
Playing for top spot, the Cats made 9-295 from their overs with Brett McKay top scoring with 67.
Malmsbury is 1-29 in reply to Sunbury United’s 183.
MORE GDCA NEWS
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/bowlers-go-on-attack-for-sunbury-and-wallan/
www.starweekly.com.au/sports/rupertswood-st-anthonys-battle-for-top-spot/
