Play naturally and remain calm were the messages ringing in Ben Strachan and Bailey Edmunds’ ears as they strode to the crease looking for victory on the second day of the Cougars’ clash with South Dubbo at Victoria Park no 2 oval on Saturday.
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The Cougars resumed at 1-22 on Saturday with Ben Strachan (14 not out) and Bailey Edmunds (0 not out) at the crease with a decisive RSL Whitney Cup win in their sights.
CYMS captain Ben Knaggs said the pre-innings chat was essential to set the expectations of the day and helped his batsmen run down Souths’ total.
“The boys went really well today, we had a plan, and we stuck to it which was pleasing to see,” he said.
“We had a chat before the days play and we set a goal of getting the runs with only three of four wickets down and we did that job, and a lot of praise must go to Ben Strachan and Bailey Edmunds, they batted well in an excellent partnership.
“Bailey got 50 odd and Ben got 70 odd and batted well together; they set us up for the win.
“I like our boys to play their natural game rather than set runs per over targets when we’re chasing.
“You can't force anything, and they went out with a plan to play their natural game, and it showed. They scored at seven runs and over and they were unreal.”
The Cougars skipper was also full of praise for spinner Stuart Naden.
“Stuart got six wickets for us in the opening day of this match last week, and he set the standard for how we want to bowl,” he said.
“Everyone else bowled to plan last week, but the shining light for us was Naden with the six wickets he took.”
Knaggs said the cohesive team performance his side showed in this match gives his players renewed confidence moving into the finals.
“This win gives us confidence for the rest of the season,” he said.
“We haven't been at our best with the bat lately, so it was good to see that when we go out and play naturally that the runs flow.
“We showed today that we are one of the best teams in the Whitney Cup and it is good to see that come out and it was an outstanding effort from our boys today. It certainly does give us confidence coming into the finals.”
You can't force anything, and they went out with a plan to play their natural game, and it showed. They scored at seven runs and over and they were unreal.
- Ben Knaggs
“We have a young side, but we have a big belief in each other, we are all there for each other, and that shows, especially in games like this one,” Knaggs said.
“The confidence we have gained from this game will help us and moving into the finals it is the right time of the year to be showing this kind of form.”
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Craig Thomson
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
I am a media and communications professional with experience across print, digital, social and radio broadcasts. I am currently the Editor of Australian Community Media's Launceston Examiner.
