Central Park-St Brendan's will look to turn promising one-day form into that of the robust two-day variety when it takes on Katandra tomorrow at Deakin Reserve.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The Tigers proved too strong for Karramomus last weekend to the tune of 22 runs, but they will need another lift with bat and ball to match it with last season's beaten grand finalist, which has started the new Haisman Shield campaign in electric form.
Particularly with the bat, the Eagles have not missed a beat, carving scores of 8-215 and 7-253 in the past fortnight to remind the competition of their strengths.
Tigers captain Brendan Scott was full of admiration for Katandra and said its sustained period of success reminded him of his own club's dominant era in the past 15 years.
“They're an all-round package - they bat all the way down and can throw the ball to anyone,” he said.
“We're trying to follow in their footsteps, we're a young crew trying to develop to this position they are in and get back to the top.
“I think they followed in our footsteps a bit too, it's a team that has hung around for a long period, stuck together and is reaping the rewards.”
For the Tigers, sustained effort will be vital with bat and ball against a side that knows how to go the distance.
Connor Holland (139 runs at 34.8) and Andrew Lloyd (122 at 30.1) have impressed batting and will hope their form translates to the longer format, but the side's bowlers will need to find an extra gear.
“It's just a good opportunity for the blokes that are in form to not throw their wickets away and bat for even longer,” Scott said.
“We're under no illusion it's a big challenge facing Katandra, the last three seasons they've been a top two side and I expect the same this season.
“The best thing about our young guys is there is no fear, they play the ball on its merits. They have a crack and bend their backs all day, and it's important they stay level headed.”
21°C