MILDURA West coach Chris Williams admits his side is up against it to make Sunraysia Cricket Association finals, but this won’t stop them trying.
After missing out on points from a winnable position against fourth-placed Irymple last round, they have slipped to sixth, with Coomealla Wentworth’s outright victory over Mildura Settlers pushing them ahead.
West will need to win their remaining two games and will start favourites against Merbein but face a tough task against second-placed Nichols Point in their final contest.
“It (Coomealla Wentworth outright) does make it harder, but what’s more important than other results is the fact we let a big opportunity slip last week,” Williams said.
“We haven’t played anywhere near our best in red-ball cricket this season.
“For finals it may be too little, too late, but we’ll keep positive and try to make the most out of these last two games.
“Our application to bat for long periods hasn’t been there.
“It’s not a great sign when the 10th wicket partnership is your highest scoring.
“We knew we were in a good position but in the end it was a bit of a disappointing result.
“We just have to recalibrate and go again this week.”
Williams praised the team’s bowling unit, which has been led by a career-best season from Locke Thornton while youngsters Josh Driscoll and Taj Hill have also played prominent roles.
“We feel we have good variation in our bowling but we’re also aware that we have a 15-year-old Josh Driscoll leading the attack,” he said.
“He deserves that position, he has earned it, but we also need to temper expectations a bit considering how young he is.
“Taj Hill is another who is only young and learning his trade as well.
“These guys have plenty of talent but at their age aren’t the finished article yet, but we’re really happy with their progress.
“Locke Thornton has been great for us this year as well and he’s just continued to mature as a player.”
Williams said a greater “killer instinct” could have gone a long way to winning an important contest against the Swallows.
“We had them at 5/56 and maybe could have got them all out for about 120 instead of 210 but these are things we’re learning,” he said.
“Everyone, though, is enjoying their cricket and will give everything over these last two games.”
