Saints seek win to turn season around

ST Peter’s captain Billy Ford will use the GCA2’s Geelong Advertiser Twenty20 Cup opener as a chance to lift confidence in the team.

After starting the season 1-4, the Saints are in need of a win and Ford said tonight’s clash with Bell Park could be the fire starter they need to put 2017-18 back on track.

“We haven’t had the greatest start of the year, but everyone is looking forward to the change up,” he said.

“Hopefully we can get a win and get some confidence back into the boys. Obviously a lot of teams don’t really like tak- ing it serious, but we will be looking to win.

“A win is a win and it will keep the group up and about. If we can get it done it would be good, but if we don’t then it’s not the biggest thing in the world.”

The Dragons were comfortable winners over the Saints when the two teams clashed in a one-dayer in Round 1.

But Ford was confident his team could make an impression in the explosive version of the game.

“We need to bat our 20. The first six isn’t quite as important,” he said.

“We don’t want to lose too many wickets early. That will give us the chance to launch late. “That’s the way I see it.” St Peter’s will be close to full strength, with only batsman Shane Fowles unavailable.

Left-arm quick Chad van Estrop, who took 6-33 in the seconds against Newcomb & District at the weekend, was also in line for a first XI debut but is also unable to play.

St Peter’s has been drawn in Pool A with the Dragons, Torquay and Highton.

“It will be a strong group. Bell Park is a tough start, hope- fully we can win there and see how we go,” he said. “I’m not looking too much into it.”