Macquarie captain Keiran Brien wants to see his bowlers fire early on Saturday in the hope of seeing Newtown’s lineup “fall in a heap”.
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Brien’s side, currently in third spot in the RSL-Whitney Cup ladder, was far from it’s best in last week’s loss to last-placed CYMS.
Newtown heads into Saturday’s match in fifth but the Tigers downed South Dubbo last weekend and Brien said that was proof of their danger.
“They’re definitely a worry when you look at the side on paper,” Brien said of Newtown.
They could go out and get 300 but if you get one or two early they could fall in a heap.
- Keiran Brien on Newtown's lineup
“They could go out and get 300 but if you get one or two early they could fall in a heap so we’ve got to be on because they’re an aggressive side.
“They’ll give chances and we’ve got to take them and bowl tight against the top order because that’s what they rely on.”
The Blues welcome back Angus Cusack, Ricky Medway and Dalton Medcalf this week after the trio missed the loss to the Cougars.
Cusack and Medway have been particularly key to Macquarie’s success so far this summer but Brien is adamant his side can’t rely on the returning stars.
“We need to improve all-round,” the skipper said.
“We can’t expect one or two to do everything. ‘Cuey’ has been putting in with bat and ball, Rick too, but someone always needs to step and do a job. Everyone needs to apply themselves.”
With his side almost full-strength for this weekend’s game, Jordan Flemming is unavailable, Brien was pleased to state the Blues should have all troops on decks for the bulk of the final five rounds.
“That’s good to have at the crunch time of the season,” he said.
Saturday’s match starts at 1pm at No. 2 Oval.