SOUTHS captain Mitch Bower says his side still has plenty of improvement in it, but the signs were there on Saturday that the sleeping giants of the RSL-Whitney Cup may be about to awaken.
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The Hornets made hard work of their four-wicket win against Newtown at No.1 Oval, but came away with a bowling unit that performed well and a valuable bonus point.
Scott Tucker (4/14) and Will Lindsay (3/24) led the way for Souths as they helped dismantle Newtown for just 115.
There's a lot we can improve on heading to the end of the season, but the good thing is we were still able to win.
- Mitch Bower
Four of the Tigers’ top five batsmen failed to reach double figures, meaning it was up to lower order players Greg Kerr (31), Tom Barber (19) and Dan French (17no) to get them to triple figures.
While Tucker and Lindsay got the glory, the effort was set up by Souths’ left-arm quick Henry Railz, who bowled eight overs and had figures of 1/14.
In reply, Souths didn’t make things easy for themselves.
After Mark O’Donnell (11) and Josh Williams put on a 21-run opening stand they both fell soon after, and when Bower (18) and Lindsay (10) also fell in quick succession Souths were 4/58 and the match was up for grabs.
Mat Finlay combined with Railz for a 35-run stand that was broken when Finlay (26) was caught behind off the bowling of Mat Skinner.
Justin Knudsen came and went for a duck, leaving Railz (16no) and Tucker (20no) to see their side home in the 36th over.
“I thought we did a good job with our bowling. We bowled tight and didn’t give them much to hit,” Bower said.
“But our batting was a bit sloppy. I think it just comes down to everyone having a pretty lazy Christmas and not doing a lot of training.
“There's a lot we can improve on heading to the end of the season, but the good thing is we were still able to win.”
Picking up a bonus point was also a big result for the Hornets, who now sit in equal second on the ladder with the resurgent CYMS.
“We know it was an option when we bowled them out pretty low but our first intention was to just win the game,” Bower said.
“We had a few anxious moments, especially when we were 4/60 or so because a couple of wickets there could have turned the match.
“Mat, Henry and ‘Tuck’ did a good job getting us home, and getting the bonus point was good in the end because every point will be crucial when you’re trying to make the finals.”
Bower said his side dedicated the win to their teammate Sam Fraser, who tragically died in the Macquarie RIver prior to Christmas.
“We spoke about it in the sheds and on the field, and thinking of Sam and his family spurred us on a bit,” Bower said.
“To have the emotion of playing that first game without him gone is probably good for us now.
“We’ll never forget him but we can try and win as many matches as we can for him.”
