Operation stop Ned
Grubbers aim to end Anglesea’s unbeaten run
OCEAN Grove is set to target prolific run-scorer Ned Cooper as the Grubbers look to end Anglesea’s unbeaten start to the BPCA season tomorrow.
Skipper Cooper, who is averaging 61.5 at the top of the order this season, looms as a critical factor to both sides’ fortunes as the Grubbers aim to further entrench themselves in the competition’s top-four at the expense of equal-top side, Anglesea.
“Obviously we’ll be looking to strike pretty early and limit (Ned Cooper’s) influence on the game,’’ captain-coach Paul Jubber said.
“I think (opening bowlers) Dan Roddis and Sam Jubber will look to target him pretty early in the innings and take away his influence.’’
After an impressive 339-run display in their round four clash against Little River, the Grubbers’ batsmen are preparing to be met by a strong Anglesea attack that boasts the competition’s leading wickettaker in coach Dale Kerr.
Young leg-spinner Harper O’Keefe is also in particularly good form, fresh from a BPCA career-best 6-34 last round, but could be one the Ocean Grove batsmen look to take on early.
“We’ve got batting plans in place and we certainly know what strengths each bowler from Anglesea brings, Jubber said. “We’ll look to target certain bowlers but I think (O’Keefe’s) in pretty good form and we’ll give him the respect that he deserves, but also we’ll look to take the game up to him as well.”
Jubber himself leads all comers for runs-scored this season with 284, but it was the rest of the side’s batting order who did the work in last round’s win over Little River, with Michael Kenneady (167 not out), Sam Jubber (70) and Huon Bertino (52) priming themselves for what’s set to be a fierce top-four clash starting this weekend.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge, no doubt.
“I think our form in the last few games has been strong.
“I think testing ourselves against Anglesea will certainly let us know where we’re at or where our competition is at this season,” Jubber said.