MANNING must adapt to a slower wicket and improve their fielding if they are to upset Hastings in the final of the Mid North Coast under 19 cricket competition at Oxley Oval, Port Macquarie on Sunday.
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That’s coach David Burley’s blunt assessment.
He said Manning were poor in just about every department when beaten by Hastings a fortnight ago. Burley said they’ll be embarrassed in the final if they repeat that performance.
"That cost us a home final,’' Burley said of the last round defeat.
“And we only have ourselves to blame.’’
Manning lost the toss and were sent into bat. At one stage they were reeling at 6/50. Sam Whitebread and Jodi Gilfillan restored some respectability to the innings with a 10th wicket partnership to took the tally to 160. Gilfillan top scored with 40.
Hastings lost seven wickets in the run chase.
“We didn’t even bat out our overs,’’ Burley said.
“If we’d done that and scored another 30 runs or so we might have won.’’
He said the Manning batsman didn’t adapt to the slower Oxley Oval wicket and he added that will be imperative if Manning is going to reverse the result on Sunday.
“We’re not used to batting on slow wickets around here. But we know what to expect now,’’ Burley added.
Manning’s cause wasn’t helped when one of the side’s bowling spearheads, Naden Moriarty broke down, while Burley said they also copped a couple of unlucky decisions.
However, he said Manning’s catching was deplorable last match and that was crucial.
"We put down 15 chances and there were a few sitters,’’ he said.
“I don't know what the problem was, a few of the players haven’t had much cricket since Christmas and we might have been complacent because we beat Hastings last year. I wasn’t a happy coach but hopefully we have that performance behind us now.’’
Burley said if Manning wins the toss they’ll bowl.
“Bowling is our strength,’’ he said.
“I think we have an attack capable of bowling any side out.’’
There has been one change to the chosen side, with Angus Gregory being forced to withdraw. His place has gone to Gloucester’s Harry Clarke.
The side is Jay Withers, Liam Simpson, Zac Withers, Tom Burley (captain), Hayden Essery, Sam Couch, Will Avery, Naden Moriarty, Harry Clarke, Sam Whitbread, Brodie Guppy, Jordi Gilfillan.
Players are to be at the ground at 9.15.
