THE Jung Tigers batting lineup will need to utilise all of its depth in order to successfully navigate a difficult run-chase against Rup-Minyip on Saturday.
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The Blue Panthers set the game up to go all the way by putting 281 on the board on the first day at Horsham City Oval.
Although the Tigers top order has often faltered often this season the contests looms as a good opportunity for it to stamp its authority against a Rup-Minyip attack that lacks depth in experience.
Ryan Metelmann and Brent Hudson will shoulder much of the workload with the ball on a wicket that could be easier to bat on this week than last.
Rup-Minyip captain Travis Hair said Jordan Weidemann and Blake Turner will both be coming into the side for the second day.
“They’ll each bowl plenty of overs and we just need to be patient with them,” he said. “It’s about setting them a good field so that they feel like they can bowl just outside off-stump where the rest of our guys usually do. We’ll try to set fields to get wickets but at the same time with the kids we know they are going to bowl bad balls and its about trying to stop that four ball in order to help their confidence.”
Sam Leith and Angus Adams will want to set the tone for the home side. If either of the two can spend enough time at the crease to withstand the opening spells of Metelmann and Hudson they should be able to cash in later in the innings.
Brett Jensz will also be a crucial wicket for Rup-Minyip as he has the potential to carry the side to victory. If the Tigers lose early wickets Steve Leith will be forced in a familiar role as the side’s rescuer while a host of hard-hitting lower order players are also not to be underestimated.
The Horsham Saints require just 56 more runs to claim first innings points against Blackheath-Dimboola with nine wickets still in hand.
Josh Carroll, 17 not out, and Matt Combe, six not out, were at the crease at the end of the first day as the Saints look to push towards a target of 105. An injured hand has raised doubts over whether or not Carroll will be fit to continue batting on the second day as the Saints look to reach the target and potentially push for an unlikely outright win.
An outright victory is certainly on the cards at Sunnyside after Homers did enough to grab first innings points on the first day against Laharum.
Jason Kannar, 53 not out, and Sandy Hodge, 36 not out, will continue as Homers look to build on a 47-run lead before declaring with enough time to try and take another ten wickets.
