Warriors not getting too far ahead of themselves
Team still only ‘operating on 60%’, as semifinals within sight
The Warriors look to be peaking at the right time in the Momentum One-Day Cup but coach Robbie Peterson is not letting his troops get too far ahead of themselves.
Tight, back-to-back victories over the Titans and the tabletopping Dolphins at the weekend have the Eastern Cape franchise on the brink of qualifying for the semifinals.
They are in third position and victory in their final group stage match against the Cape Cobras in East London on Saturday will ensure qualification for the playoffs.
But for now, Peterson is pleased his team managed to pull off two consecutive victories in pressure situations.
They beat the Titans by two wickets, chasing a huge 332 in Benoni on Friday and then edged the high-flying Dolphins by six runs in East London on Sunday.
“We’re glad that we’ve got over the line in close games.
“You can’t put a price on that actually because that prepares you for when you get in that position again.
“You know how to do it, you know how to keep calm, you know how to stay focused,” Peterson said postmatch.
The Warriors are without national players Jon-Jon Smuts, Lutho Sipamla and Anrich Nortje and also have a list of injuries to contend with.
But Peterson finds it encouraging that his youthful team have stepped up.
“It’s a young group at the moment,” he said.
“A lot of our players are on national call-ups, there are many injuries in Rudi Second, Gihahn Cloete and Glenton Stuurman.
“That’s at least six players missing, they are match-winners for us.
“To have the young guys contribute to the victories is the big bonus that has happened in the last two games.”
At one stage the Dolphins looked to be cruising but the Warriors bowlers kicked up a gear and turned up the pressure.
“Aya Gqamane held his nerve in the last over.
“Stefan Tait brought us back into the game with that third spell of his, which was magnificent.
“There’s a lot to be happy about in little chunks.
“I still think we can tighten up on our bowling a lot more, it’s not quite where we want to be but it’s a work in progress.”
From a batting perspective, the top eight all weighed-in with solid performances, with
Matthew Breetzke (55) and Jade de Klerk (50) leading the way.
“That’s the good thing that’s happened, the guys played nicely and everyone has contributed.
“Of course we put priority on one of the top four getting a hundred and it didn’t happen in this game.
“Those things happen but what impressed me most was that you had numbers six, seven and eight contribute a lot in the last two games to the wins.
“So everybody has been tested and that’s a good thing if we make the playoffs.”
Peterson says the team are just over halfway from where he wants them to be.
“There is still a lot to work on to be honest.
“We are not going to fool ourselves and get lost in the results.
“I think it’s about the processes we need to follow.
“We probably need to sharpen up a little.
“We are operating on about 60% from where we want to be.
“If you can do that and still get over the line and if it can all come together in one game, then you’ve got a good chance.
“We’re still a long way off from qualifying but this weekend has given us a real shot at it.”