LIONS GIVEN HOME TRUTHS
LEOPOLD coach Scott Lindsay has read the riot act to his players after a batting debacle in the loss to reigning premier Grovedale.
Lindsay said he delivered a “few home truths” after the Lions were routed for 91, losing the match by 141 runs at Leopold Community Bank Oval last week.
“Our performance was well and truly below par and below expectations,” he said moments after his side bowed out of the Geelong Advertiser T20 Cup on Tuesday night.
“I want to see a response this week, I’m expecting a response from the playing group.
“I spoke to the players at length about what went wrong and our training ethics dropped off a bit.
“We’ll be back on the ball this week, hopefully. Everyone’s had a kick up the butt and we’ll go again this week.”
Lindsay said recent inclement weather had disrupted training plans, but he refused to make excuses.
“You’ve just got to hit balls,” he said of his players.
“We’ve had a few wash-outs on Thursday nights, and if you haven’t had a change to train, you need to hit a few balls somewhere.
“That’s what we’ve been lacking and it’s what cost us on the weekend.”
It was the first time Leopold had been dismissed for fewer than 100 this season, with Tigers paceman Chris Young grabbing 4-57.
The Lions’ confidence was somewhat restored with a fighting performance against Geelong City on Tuesday night and Lindsay is confident his side can return to the winner’s list in tomorrow’s clash against Newtown & Chilwell.
“We’ve been positive all year,” he said.
“We’re third in the club championship, and as a club and all four grades, I think we’ll bounce back.”
Leopold will be boosted by the return of star batsman Pat Richards, who has returned from overseas.
“Clearly he’s had two really good games,” Lindsay said of Richards, who made 74 and 119 before he headed to Europe.
“He made 30 and batted well and he’s a key for us.”