Saints, Heat finals race going down to wire

TWO teams face imposing run chases tomorrow (Saturday, March 8) as they battle to secure the remaining top-four finals spot in the Geelong Cricket Association first XI competition.

St Peter’s are fourth on 40.18 points and Highton are fifth on 40 with one day of play to go in the two-day rounds.

The Saints will be striving to reel in North Geelong’s total of 7-271 at Osborne Park, while Highton are 0-2 chasing St Joseph’s 230 at McDonald Reserve.

Highton coach Andrew Murden has encouraged his troops to enjoy the contest.

“It’s 50-50 at the moment; I think both sides would be fairly confident they can win,” he said.

“It’s interesting because it’s all bonus points and stuff like that so I think mathematically you can still lose and make it.”

Murden said Highton batted well throughout the summer but had a blip against East Belmont in round 13 when they were all out for 135.

He said it was important to remain calm amid the finals race frenzy.

“We spoke about that last week, about not putting the world on our shoulders and just trying to put ourselves in a good mindset to be at our best.

“[We’re] trying to avoid freezing up and not being ourselves. We still want to play our natural game.

“You’ve got to be accountable, and the players have got to make sure they prepare well and get ready and handle the situation as best as possible.

“Pressure situations like this, that’s what makes you as a person, doesn’t it, so hopefully our guys can stand up.”

In other round 14 encounters, Grovedale are 3-88 chasing East Belmont’s 107 and Newtown & Chilwell are defending 248 against South Barwon.