Falling to fifth on the ladder, Sharks clash is crunch time for Tigers

CAPTAIN Ash Russell concedes the stakes are high as Torquay prepares for tomorrow’s one-day clash against Manifold Heights.

Falling 27 runs short against St Peter’s, the Tigers have lost three of their past four games to slip to fifth on the ladder.

With just three matches prior to the Christmas break,

Russell admitted it was crucial for his side to topple the winless Sharks at Spring Creek Reserve.

“It’s huge. We’re 2-3 now and we need to go in (to Christmas) 4-3,” Russell said.

“We’ve got Mano and Modewarre, who are playing some good cricket. Hopefully we can get a few Ws before Christmas.”

Speaking after night’s nine-wicket

Tuesday loss to

Marshall in the T20 Cup, Russell said his players were low on confidence.

But he was pleased with the fight of his team, having scrapped to 121 from 20 overs after finding itself in desperate trouble early against the Bears’ talented attack.

“We weren’t looking like we’d even make a hundred for a while, but to their credit, they boys batted time and got to 121,” Russell said.

“It was a pretty flat wicket, it’s a nice ground and they bowled well. We just lost wickets in bunches and that hurt us. We could have done better there, definitely.

“There was a bit on the line, and it’s not just the T20 cricket, we need to get back on a winning page.

“We’re 2-3 now and we’ve lost a couple of players and we need to get back that winning feeling.”

After a gallant run chase in the two-day clash against St Peter’s, Russell said his side was unlikely to change.

“I thought we did OK on the weekend … you’d chase down 250 two out of 10 times and we just fell short,” he said.

“I just think we need some confidence at the top of the order and hopefully we can get some wins.”

While Russell is unable to pinpoint the exact problems plaguing his side, he is confidence of a rapid turnaround.

“It’s definitely a bit of everything,” Russell said.

“We need to be better in all areas and we’re not doing nothing about it, we’re working pretty hard. Hopefully it will click, and without the ultimate success, we’ve been pretty good at doing that over the years.

“We’ve obviously got the talent, it just needs to click.”