Borovec: Loss my fault

GEELONG coach Andre Borovec has accepted the blame for his side’s capitulation with the ball in Saturday’s loss to Carlton.

Borovec took responsibility for the four-wicket defeat at Princes Park, claiming he failed to prepare his players to bowl at the death.

Requiring 95 runs from 60 balls, the Blues smashed their way to victory after a stunning 27-ball 53 from Xavier Crone.

It took the gloss off a brilliant captain’s knock from Eamonn Vines, who blasted 102 from 136 balls and combined with Tim Ludeman for a 150-run second wicket stand as the Cats set Carlton 262 to win.

“It was shattering,” Borovec said of the third-straight loss.

“Vinesy and Ludey were superb, and their partnership was top notch, so we did everything right with the bat.

“And the majority of our bowling was just as pleasing, apart from the very beginning when we didn’t strike as much as we would’ve liked.

“But, in saying that, we still had control of the game and they needed nearly 10 an over with three wickets in hand, so it was extremely disappointing to lose from that position.”

He refused to blame the bowlers, believing the Cats’ preparation had missed the mark.

“Upon reflection as a coach, we just weren’t prepared at training last week for that death bowling,” Borovec said.

“My job as a coach, especially at a ground like Carlton, which is short straight and a flat wicket, we needed to bowl more yorkers.

“My disappointment as a coach is I didn’t prepare the players well enough.

“It was such an obvious difference in the game. We were really good in the game apart from that death bowling.

“Needing 10 an over, we just failed to execute with the ball.

“Just like the players take accountability, I have to as a coach and we’re 0-3 and I expect honesty from the players with their performance and this is a situation where I have to be just as honest.”

While acknowledging his players missed the mark with the ball, Borovec lauded the knock of Crone, who combined with Nick Ross (63) for a better-than-a-run-a-ball run partnership.

“He can hit extremely well straight, and Carlton is short straight, but the sixes he hit would’ve been six on any ground,” Borovec.

“We gave him length and he cashed in fully.”

Top-order batsman Angus Boyd loomed as an unlikely hero, snaring 5-49 to keep Geelong in the contest until the 49th over.

Veteran Luke Muller was also outstanding, claiming 1-28 from 10 overs.

“Gus had a terrific game and it was just a shame that we couldn’t cap his performance, and also Vinesy and Ludey’s batting efforts, with a win,” Borovec said.

“Again, it amplifies how disappointing our bowling was at the death.” 70-