Bad Toads vow to train tough
THE reality check of a oneday final loss to Atherton could be the catalyst for change at Mulgrave.
Toads opening batsman Justin Reid said the defeat might have been a symptom of going “through the motions” at training, something they would have to address if they were to win some first-grade silverware this season.
Mulgrave has long been heralded as the team to beat in the Far North, having won six of the past eight two-day premierships, including the last three consecutively.
“We’ve got to get back to training and maybe not go through the motions as much and get something out of it and we’re confident we can give it a good crack,” Reid said.
The Toads were left to lament an unusually impatient batting innings at the familiar Fuller Park and potentially choosing the wrong option at the toss.
Their 122 all out was well below par, a total Atherton picked off in the 31st over despite the best efforts of a dangerous bowling line-up.
“Not to make excuses but it would have been good to bowl first on it. It really flattened out during the day,” Reid said.
“We always back ourselves to defend. We just didn’t get enough to defend. It doesn’t take long to get away from you.
“If we took a couple of wickets, if we took five at the start, it would have been a different story, but we only got three and they were doing it easy enough.” Video highlights and full match reports online at WHEN the Nasser boys get together in the middle of any cricket ground, great things seem to happen.
The pair were at the centre of both the one-day and T20 triumphs over the weekend, wielding the willow in a way few bowlers had an answer for.
Their 54-run stand on Saturday was key to stabilising a shaky start to help chase down Mulgrave’s 122, while a 51-run partnership yesterday was just as important in the T20 decider.
It was their freewheeling style that was most eye-catching through the key innings, which Brendan Nasser put down to years of backyard battles.
“Growing up together playing backyard and some junior games together and reserve grade and A-grade now, we just know each other, what we’re going to play and how we’re going to run. It just works,” he said.
Despite his topscoring efforts in the T20 final, Brendan thought he could have done more to ease the nerves of his team and fans.
“I thought I left us about 10 short when I got out, but we ended up getting it,” he said,
Brendan has quietly been chipping away at the list of leading runscorers this season, sitting in seventh for the oneday and two-day season.
He said he was seeing the rewards of being in the right mindset for long innings.
“I have my mind on the game rather than just coming to have a laugh with the boys, getting more serious,” Brendan said. “It’s paying off, which is good.”
Paul Nasser said he was pleased to play a part in putting Atherton’s “chokers” tag to bed.
The all-rounder on Saturday continued his love affair for the Mulgrave bowling – he averages 55 against them this season – making batting look easy on a tough wicket.
The renowned big hitter didn’t hold back despite some demons in the Fuller Park wicket, scoring boundaries almost at will in the romp.
Paul said he was fortunate to be part of such a deep batting line-up, allowing him the freedom to play with flair.
“I just play my natural game. I just love beating them. It’s good,” he said.
“I batted time, played straight and we bat real deep. We had plenty in the sheds but they’ve probably got the best bowling attack in the league.
“The pitch was pretty good and they bowled well in the first session there but we knew we had plenty to give.”