MILDURA West skipper Shane Driscoll believes a win over Merbein South this weekend could set his side up for a potential finals campaign.
Their contest at Chaffey Park looks evenly poised after last week’s opening day of play, with West dismissed for 161.
In response, the Saints were 2/57, with Mat Andrews and Jackson Malycha back in the sheds.
Hamim Miah (22), the home side’s leading scorer for the season, and Robbie Roelofs (18) are the batsmen at the crease, while Brandon Dixon and Locke Thornton have taken the two wickets.
“It’s pretty evenly poised at this stage,” Driscoll said. “We know we’ll have to bowl well early and potentially we’ll attack them with defence.
“We’re in a pretty good position, having got both of their openers out. Our bowling has been a strength of ours for a couple of seasons so we’re happy with the line-up we’ve got.”
One bowler who will be important to their potential success is spinner Chris Williams, who took four wickets in each of his first two bowling performances this season.
“(Williams) Definitely will be important, especially on that track that’s got a bit more turn and bounce in it,” Driscoll said.
“Hopefully we can bowl in partnerships and tie down the runs, potentially allowing him to take a few wickets.”
Williams played an important role with the bat last week, top-scoring with 38, while some late-order resistance from Scott Knudsen (29 not out) and Joel Minter (28), who put on a 50-run ninth wicket partnership, helped West to a solid total.
Following his six wickets the week before, Saints spinner Jarrod Forrester took another 3/27, while Mark East, Tony Trinick and Robbie Roelofs took two each.
Driscoll, who took over the captaincy this season, feels his side are in a good position to challenge for the top four.
“I think we’re going pretty well at the moment. If we can get the points here and have two wins from three games before Christmas, that’s a pretty good spot,” he said.
“That should have us in the top four and then we look forward to facing the other teams we haven’t played yet.
“I’ve loved it (captaincy). It’s been a challenge but I love being in the game 100 per cent of the time.
“The guys have been great and everyone has stepped up when needed, which helps take a load off my shoulders. The environment is really positive at the moment and we’re looking forward to hopefully playing some finals.”
Driscoll also praised recruit Sean Hawking, who has added an extra element to the team behind the stumps.
“Sean has been great, he’s got a bit of fire in the belly and he’s great at getting everyone up and about,” he said.
“Behind the stumps he’s really positive and I think that rubs off on everyone else.”
Play resumes on Saturday at 1pm at Chaffey Park, Merbein.
