BURRUMBEET has control and will look to strong batting to try and secure the flag on offer at Dunnstown.
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The ‘Beet hold a 123-run lead with seven wickets in hand in the second innings of the Ballarat Cricket Association district division one final.
Defending champion Lucas will regroup with the prospect of a big chase looming.
Lucas captain Kayne Wilson says there was still a lot of cricket left to play in this four-day match.
His team still had a good chance.
“If we can come out next Saturday and put the pressure it will be tight,” Wilson said.
“We didn’t bowl well on (day one) but, in saying that, they were 3-112 and we took their last seven wickets for 71 runs.
“Our first innings was also a bit disappointing with the bat.
“I am confident we can saddle up and make any total we have to chase – partnerships are definitely the key and we didn’t really have any happen yet.”
Burrumbeet has built a name on its batting prowess and depth, deep down the order.
Dangerous bat Simon McCartin, who helped the Beet to a solid start on day one, will resume at the crease with Dean Mathews – McCartin is on 23 runs, Mathews on 17.
Burrumbeet put on 183 runs in the first innings.
Lucas’ Russell Brookes played a key role in pulling apart the Burrumbeet order, taking 4-44, while Dale Jeffrey polished off the tail.
When it came time to bat, Lucas was wiped out for 134 runs by tea break.
Lucas opener Jay Anderson was the only significant scorer with 48 runs.
Beet captain Andre Prenc nabbed 4-48 off 13.3 overs amid the obliteration with Mathews and Aaron Wilson captured two wickets apiece.
Prenc said it has been a good, even contribution to get his team into a good position this far into the final.
Now it is time to plot the next move.
“We want to bat right through Saturday – we’ll bat as long as we can really – but if we can make it a 200-plus game we will be happy,” Prenc said.
“Our aim now is to try and put it out of their reach.”