South Launceston coach Mark Nutting said his side needs to win their Greater Northern Cup game against second-placed Latrobe on Saturday and those following against Launceston and Wynyard to have a chance of playing in finals.
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“We want to keep the momentum going from last week, implement our strategies and get that winning culture going,” Nutting said.
Batsman Will Foster will come into the side with Keelan Beattie dropping out.
Westbury captain Michael Lukic was rapt with the efforts of their younger players in stepping up to get a win over Wynyard last week with about half of their normal first side unavailable. Those players will return this week for their road trip to Ulverstone as the Shamrocks attempt to consolidate their top spot on the ladder.
“I couldn’t be happier or prouder for the club of the boys who did the job for us in A-grade,” he said.
Ulverstone posed a threat at home and Lukic said it was an opportunity to play some good away cricket against a quality coastal side.
Riverside had a confidence-boosting win over Devonport after a slow start to the season as they prepare for to play Sheffield at Windsor Park.
“A few of the younger guys have finished exams so we will have one or two changes and we feel our batting, bowling and fielding can all still improve so want to build on that against Sheffield,” captain Alex Saunders said. “With a few guys still injured it's healthy to have pressure on spots which probably hasn't been the case in the past.”
Launceston faces a second successive road trip this time to play Devonport following on last week’s loss to Burnie.
“It was a disappointing result – the boys got off to a bad start and didn’t recover and it was one of those days you just want to write-off,” Lions coach Andy Gower said. “We know we need a win, we’re doing everything in our power to get one on the board.”
Dom Rawlings and James Curran are unavailable with all-rounder Tom Gray and leg-spinner Tom McIntee likely replacements.
Mowbray take on Burnie needing to bounce back after last week’s loss to Latrobe. Rohan Pooley is unavailable with Luke Scott likely to receive promotion. “It was disappointing we weren’t able to respond to their pressure so we are definitely looking for a better performance this week especially from our batting group,” captain John Le Fevre said.