Birch vows to hit back

Warriors strike bowler Andrew Birch is aiming to bounce back in style when the Warriors take on the Knights in their Momentum One-Day Cup match in East London on Friday.

The Warriors head into the match on a two-game losing streak, both against the Titans who have replaced them at the top of the log on net run-rate, while Birch endured a nightmare over during the most recent loss.

The Titans were in dire straits in the rain-affected game this past Friday. They needed 36 to win off the last three overs with just two batsmen remaining when Birch came on to bowl his last over. He proceeded to watch in horror as it disappeared for 25 runs, mainly due to the exploits of man-of-thematch Junior Dala.

This left the Titans with 11 to win off the last two overs and they eased over the line with four balls remaining.

“It was a bit of a nightmare over, but I am experienced enough to know that that sometimes happens at the death and you have to take the highs with the lows,” admitted Birch.

“I have defended a lot of low scores in final overs before and won games for the side, so I know I can do it and I have the ability to do it.

“It was just a game that didn’t go my way, so I will be bouncing back and I am really excited to play again on Friday against the Knights and make a positive contribution to the team.”

The Knights match is a very important one for Warriors as things are becoming really tight at the top of the log.

The Titans, who lead it on 18 points, have a game in hand on the Warriors who have the same amount of points, while the Dolphins sit two points off both teams, also with a game in hand over the Warriors.

The Cobras are also on 16 points, however having played the same amount of games as the Warriors, will need them to slip up if they want to pass them.

“We have a really positive mood in the camp,” said Birch.

“The guys are really upbeat about our chances and hopefully we can secure a home semifinal and then finish top of the log, that has always been the goal for us and we are focusing on that.

“The guys will have to bounce back, we are professional cricketers so we have to deal with the lows, but training today was really awesome, the guys were upbeat and excited for the match.

“So going back to East London where we play really good cricket and really enjoy it, we are looking forward to it.”

The Knights’ chances of making the playoffs are pretty much over, with them needing an improbable finish to the season to make up the points needed, while they have only managed one win in six games so far in the competition.

They will thus be playing for pride and will be desperate to get another win under their belts which could make them a dangerous prospect.

“I don’t think there is any side in this competition who would just lie down and accept defeat. Every team fights to the bitter end and I am sure the Knights will be very hungry for a win, so we will have to play our very best cricket if we want to beat them,” said Birch.

The match gets under way at 1.30pm on Friday.

We will have to play our very best cricket if we want to beat the Knights