THIRD TIME LUCKY
SHARKS COACH SAYS BULLS ARE BEATABLE
JAN Juc coach Jordan Graham is adamant his side has learnt from past mistakes as it bids to take Barrabool’s scalp in Saturday’s semi-final
The Sharks have failed to topple the Bulls on two occasions this season.
Graham understands the enormity of the task ahead, but is confident his side will take up the fight to the favourites at Ceres Recreation Reserve.
“Barrabool and Anglesea have been the two best sides all year and the most consistent teams all year,” Graham said.
“I think from the last game we played we have learnt a lot from that and hopefully will come up with a few plans to counteract a few of the things they tried to do to us.”
When the two teams last met in Round 8, Barrabool got home in a thriller.
The Sharks put 206 on the board on the back of Jordan Withers (53) and Iva Priest (32), but the Bulls chased the total down with four balls to spare.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for Barrabool and the way they go about it with all their role players,” Graham said.
“They probably don’t have a heap of huge names that some other clubs have got, but they just have blokes that do a job.
“Last time they gave us a batting lesson on how to chase down a total.
“We didn’t defend well at all and we didn’t bowl well at all, but credit goes to their batting that day.
“We take confidence that our batsmen were able to hit runs against them, but we have also improved our bowling and go about things a little bit different now.”
Jan Juc will head into the match brimming with confidence after chasing down Collendina’s total of 91 without losing a wicket last round.
“We’ve got some blokes hitting some form at the right time of the year, which is exciting,” Graham said. “The last two weeks have been virtual elimination finals and winning the last two games has been the perfect preparation heading into our finals series.”
However, the onus will be on the bowlers to back up a disappointing performance last time they met.
“I do think the ball will tell a story on Saturday,” Graham said.“I think the game will be won with whoever’s bowlers will be more consistent and we are hoping that’s us after making 200 against them. And they are thinking that’s them after chasing down 200 against us.”
I THINK FROM THE LAST GAME WE PLAYED WE HAVE LEARNT A LOT FROM THAT AND HOPEFULLY WILL COME UP WITH A FEW PLANS TO COUNTERACT A FEW OF THE THINGS THEY TRIED TO DO TO US.”
JAN JUC COACH JORDAN GRAHAM