General News
2 December, 2021
Cats ready for Noorat, Bookaar contests
MORTLAKE skipper Todd Robertson admits his side is eyeing off bumper clashes with Noorat and Bookaar in the coming fortnight after recording a third successive win last Saturday.
MORTLAKE skipper Todd Robertson admits his side is eyeing off bumper clashes with Noorat and Bookaar in the coming fortnight after recording a third successive win last Saturday.
The Cats strolled to a comfortable 154 run victory over Terang at D.C. Farran Oval following big performances from Will Kain (79), Todd Lamont (48), Jack Lehmann (47), Clinton Baker (4/15) and Robertson (3/9).
But the Cats are already looking ahead to two looming tests, with the Steamrollers and Pelicans set to venture to Mortlake in successive weeks.
Robertson said his side would have its work cut out against both outfits, knowing they both loomed as top four hopefuls.
“Noorat and Bookaar will be definitely looking to play finals,” he said.
“They have cricketers capable of winning games off their own bat and with the ball so they’re going to be a couple of really big challenges for us over the next couple of weeks.
“We’re not overly confident (entering those games), we’re more cautious in playing those good teams.
“Realistically we’re still trying to find our feet a little bit so we’re just looking forward to the challenge.”
Robertson was also pleased with his side’s early wins, with the Cats also registering wins against Cobden and Camperdown in the early rounds.
He said the Cats were improving each week as it tried to find its best cricket.
“Our aim is to play finals obviously but other than that we haven’t set too many expectations,” Robertson said.
“Early wins are the key at this time of year but we’re just trying to get off to a good start as well as gel as a team.
“There’s been a few little changes with batting and bowling positions and a few things off-field so we’re trying to find our feet and gel properly.
“Things are working out for us so far, they aren’t going too bad.”
In the other games across the league, Bookaar defeated Cobden by five wickets, Noorat beat Woorndoo by 23 runs and Heytesbury Rebels accounted for Camperdown by 10 runs.
Round four matches will see Woorndoo hosting Cobden, Camperdown facing Pomborneit, Terang welcoming Bookaar and Mortlake clashing with Noorat.
Meanwhile, the Fonterra Twenty20 Cup kicked off last week, with further matches to be played this Thursday.
Pomborneit faces Heytesbury Rebels, Mortlake plays Terang, Cobden hosts Bookaar and Noorat meets Woorndoo.