THE equation is simple for Kealba Green Gully this Saturday.
Should the Cougars take three wickets before Pascoe Vale Central gets to 152, they will be holders of the NWMCA’s Luscombe Shield once more.
Inclement weather forced the grand final clash at Burnside Heights into a third day’s play after only 28 overs could be bowled on Saturday.
However Sunday’s conditions proved more friendly and play was largely uninterrupted, as the Cougars resumed their innings and got to 151 before running out of wickets in the 71st over.
The blustery weather seemed to favour the bowlers as Pascoe Vale Central started their chase, and by the end of the day’s play they had sunk to 7/63 after 37 overs in the middle.
To win, another 89 more runs are needed.
On Sunday night Kealba Green Gully captain-coach Andrew Lambropoulos said spirits were high among the group despite their unscheduled date with destiny this coming weekend.
“The feeling’s good,” he said.
“We’re very happy with our commitment, obviously the game’s not over (and) we’ve still got a week of training and a week of work to do to make sure we’re mentally prepared for one more
week.”
Lambropoulos also praised opening batsman Warren Kelly, who watched seven partners fall while making a handy 56 of his own.
“He pretty much held the innings together,” Lambropoulos said.
“Especially today when we had a real tough patch, he hung in there and worked hard and batted really well.”
On Saturday it will be the bowling attack’s turn to pick up where they left off, and according to Lambropoulos, as long as the Cougars don’t stray from the mentality that proved fruitful on Sunday, they may well be looking at back-to-back titles.
When asked how Saturday’s decider will be approached, Lambropoulos kept his answer simple.
“Just the same thing we did this week which is bowl tight, ask questions, be up and about in the field and be prepared for anything that might be thrown at us,” he said.
“They’ve handled (the occasion) really well so far.
“Last year was very nerve-racking, but this year we came in quietly confident but at the same time a bit more relaxed and ready to go.
“They were switched on and knew what they had to do.”
