General News
4 March, 2021
Youth, experience key to Mortlake’s fortunes
MORTLAKE skipper Todd Robertson is hoping Saturday’s semi-final emboldens his club’s future.
MORTLAKE skipper Todd Robertson is hoping Saturday’s semi-final emboldens his club’s future.
The Cats enter its 13th successive finals campaign, albeit with numerous new faces, when it faces Heytesbury Rebels at S.A. Wright Oval.
Robertson said he hoped the experience of playing in a semi-final would aid the development of his club’s younger players, who have been integral this season.
Jack Lehmann (26 wickets), Isaac Wareham (369 runs) and Lachie Wareham (12 wickets) among others herald Mortlake’s younger generation alongside aging stars Todd Lamont (17 wickets), Shane Slater (284 runs), Clinton Baker (324 runs) and Robertson (19 wickets).
“We’re definitely pleased to be in the semi-finals, more so because we have a different make-up to the years we were successful,” Robertson said.
“It’s not our traditional side to what we’ve had in the past so it’s great for the young guys to play in a semi-final for the club.
“Going from the years we were successful to now there is a big age gap between the two.
“We have a lot of guys that are my age or older who played in all those successful teams and then we have the 18, 19 and 20 year-olds who are starting to play a lot of senior cricket so it’s a bit of a changing of the guard I suppose.”
Both sides will be out to avenge disappointing final round losses, with the Cats dealt an 80-run defeat by Bookaar, while the Rebels lost by three wickets against Pomborneit.
Robertson said both outfits would be disappointed to not enter in winning form but added it would soon be forgotten once play gets under way.
He is tipping the pair to enjoy another fierce battle on the big stage, which is to be expected if the matches between the two earlier this season is anything to go by.
“We always have good battles with Heytesbury no matter where it is, the time of year or what the ladder positions are,” Robertson said.
“No doubt the weekend will be no different.
“We drew earlier this year and lost to them in round two so I’m expecting a tough encounter no doubt.”
Robertson said strong performances in both the batting and bowling departments would be important for his side if it was to come out on top, acknowledging the Cats needed to limit the output of Simon Harkness and Travis Brown.
Harkness (524 runs) and Brown (257 runs) have enjoyed strong seasons at the crease, with their dismissals likely to go a long way in Mortlake restricting its opponent.
“I think if we can bat our overs out and take early wickets that will be the key,” Robertson said.
“Early breakthroughs will be important. They have a couple of high quality bats in Harko and Trav Brown so early breakthroughs is one focus area and if we can bat our overs out I’m confident we can post a decent score.
“We’re looking for a team performance more than anything. We’re not looking for anyone to stand out in particular, if everyone plays their role we have no doubt that we will win.”