Knights ready to handle pressure

KEEP it simple. That’s the message Kingborough Knights captain Nathan Freitag will tell his players as the Knights stare down a win against University to keep their CTPL finals hopes alive.

Sixth-placed Kingborough will resume play against the Lions (fifth) today, in a match that will see the winner eyeing finals and the loser facing an uphill battle to make the four.

The Knights resume at 4-109 after dismantling University for 184 in the first innings. Freitag, who posted 66 from 92 balls before edging one to Lions wicketkeeper Nick Grubb, said a win today was crucial for his side’s finals chances.

“I think this round especially, getting the win is really important,” Freitag said.

“We feel that we were put behind other teams a bit last week after our game against Glenorchy was abandoned.

“It’s important that we keep things simple and show faith in our ability.”

Freitag conceded that pressure was beginning to mount, with just three rounds remaining after today.

“With the competition as even as it is, you’ve got to be playing your best otherwise you’ll miss finals.”

The Knights skipper said his team was relishing having Australian paceman Jackson Bird in the side.

“Any time you can get an international bowler in the team you know you’re going to be provided with top quality,” Freitag said.

In other games today, Clarence will look for an outright win against bottomplaced Glenorchy, the Sharks will be chasing an impressive 316 first innings total from North Hobart, and Lindisfarne will be hoping for a win to stay in fourth spot when play resumes against Newtown.