Drysdale faces big challenge
DRYSDALE will be desperately hoping to match Little River’s impressive efforts with the ball tomorrow to avoid suffering one of the upsets of the season.
The undefeated Hawks must defend their lowest total in two seasons, after bottomplaced Little River dismissed them for 85 on day one.
But Drysdale captaincoach Leigh Allan believes his side is still in with a chance if it can replicate the opposition’s bowling effort.
A slow ground is also set to aid its cause.
“It is tough, we’ve just got to bowl well — do what they did — bowl one side of the wicket and force them into shots,” Allan said.
“The ground is quite slow, so we’ve just got to bowl really well and take 10 wickets for under 85.”
With Little River requiring 68 more runs for victory, Allan indicated the bowling attack would be trying to pull a few surprises.
“There will be a few little different things that we do, but as I said no matter who has their opportunity, we just have to bowl well,” he said.
“We’re confident going into any game, so it’s a challenge . . . but it's a challenge that we look forward to and it's a real opportunity to see if we can knock this side over.”
Regardless of this weekend’s results, Drysdale will go into the Christmas break sitting within the competition’s top four after a start to the season that has pleased its captain-coach with four wins and a draw so far.
“I have actually (been impressed with the season), different guys have stepped up at different times, with bat and with ball.” Allan said.
“We’re still searching for that best side . . . and still searching for top form with both bat and ball, (but) it’s a pretty good position to be in before Christmas.”