READY: Matt Ringin is back from injury for Naps-Sebas’s semi-final against Darley. PICTURE: JUSTIN WHITELOCK
NAPOLEONS-SEBASTOPOL quick Matt Ringin has been picked to make his return from injury for the side’s do-or-die semi-final clash against Darley.
Ringin missed last round’s narrow win over North Ballarat after going down with a side strain in the team’s loss to East Ballarat in round 11.
Naps-Sebas captain-coach Dan Davies said Ringin had bowled without trouble at training on Tuesday and had another hit-out last night.
“As a bowler if he’s not 100 per cent he won’t play,” Davies said.
“We definitely rely on (Brendan Thomson and Ringin) fairly heavily, particularly Matt because he can bowl a lot more overs than Thommo can.”
Ringin’s inclusion bolsters a line-up that has struggled in past weeks, with a comprehensive defeat at the hands of the Hawks and then a narrow victory over the lowly Roosters last weekend.
Davies said he wasn’t concerned by the team’s current form, preferring to look at the fact it had reached second on the ladder for the second-straight season.
His counterpart, Darley captain-coach Matt Cape is preparing for his side’s return to finals after reaching them for the first time in BCA club firsts last year.
Cape remains optimistic that the Lions’ strongest performance would see them reach a maiden grand final.
“I think we’ve only lost one game in the last six or seven games. Everyone is bowling and batting well so we are very excited and keen to learn from the mistakes last year and get the win,” Cape said.