Macquarie and Christies Crackerjacks captain Keiran Brien admits his side is struggling from a lack of confidence but said Friday night’s McDonald’s Megahit match provides the perfect opportunity for players to hit themselves into form.
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Macquarie sits last on the RSL-Whitney Cup ladder while it’s Megahit side, the Crackerjacks, won its opening match of this season’s Twenty20 campaign before falling to the Amaroo Tigers last time out.
At No. 1 Oval on Friday night the Crackerjacks meet RSL-Colts’ Bob Berry Blasters and Brien said a win could do wonders for his side.
“It would definitely (help), especially against Colts,” he said.
“They pretty much smashed us last week (in the Whitney Cup).”
While saying it was hard to put his finger on exactly what the problem was at his side, Brien said a lack of confidence is definitely one of the reasons his side hasn’t won a match of any type since early November.
His feeling was a number of players, particularly in the batting lineup, are looking to others to get the job done but he said one or two good knocks on Friday night could get everyone going.
“’Rabs’ (Anthony Heraghty) is coming across to play because he needs some confidence and the best way to do that is going out there with a carefree attitude and hit the ball and hit some sixes,” the skipper said.
“’Greeny’ (Jason Green) and myself and a few others are the same and hopefully going out there and having a laugh and some fun without pressure can help and then we can take that into Saturday.”
Heraghty is one player who could really benefit from Brien giving him a licence to swing the willow.
The Western Zone opening batsman is one of the most destructive batsmen in the region when firing but he is yet to show his best since linking up with the club.
A broken bone in his hand suffered while playing a representative fixture for Parkes last year didn’t help matters but now back in the side full time without the distraction of injury or playing for Parkes, Brien will be hoping his big off-season recruit can lead his side towards victory.
Things are far more settled in the Blasters camp and the side will head into Friday with plenty of confidence after last week’s convincing RSL-Whitney Cup win over Macquarie.
The Blasters side also sits at one win and one loss in the Megahit, meaning there is plenty to play for on Friday night as both side’s chase a finals spot. With the likes of Wes Giddings, Jason Ryan and Chris Morton there is plenty of firepower while Ben Semmler and Tom Atlee have formed a dangerous new ball partnership.
The action begins at 6.30pm on Friday.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
