Wendouree captain Cole Roscholler admits there is no love lost between his side and Mt Clear ahead of what is a huge clash against the top-of-the-table Mounties.
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Both clubs have been strong figures in the Ballarat Cricket Association for some time and this match-up is worthy of a final, but nonetheless the round 5 fixture will be a highly-anticipated one.
Roscholler said he felt the key to undermining Mt Clear was containing all-rounder Nathan Yates.
Yates is averaging 61 with the bat through his two matches and has taken bags of four and three with the ball. The Wendouree skipper believing that while Mt Clear is by no means a one-man band, handling Yates would be a key component to the match.
"It's no secret that there's no love lost between Wendouree and Mt Clear,” Roscholler said.
"Wendouree and Mt Clear are always tough games regardless of what the ladder says, so we're really looking forward to seeing where we're at this year.
"When you have a look at Mt Clear's side you have a look at some of their strengths. Obviously Nathan Yates being a really strong key with either bat or ball. I think if we can nullify his influence on the game that'll go a long way to us winning the game on Saturday.”
Wendouree defeated Ballarat-Redan last weekend, defending its impressive total of 318.
Roscholler was pleased with the batting line-up’s response following the round 3 North Ballarat loss where the Red Caps had their colours lowered – dismissed for 128.
"I think we just went away from what we'd spoken about (against the Roosters).
"It was really good to get back to some form last weekend and show what we can do, so hopefully we can take that momentum we've created into this week.
"It's a credit to the batting line-up that they took it to heart that their performance wasn't up to scratch against North and really went out and showed how good we can be when we knuckle down and bat our 80 overs.
"That's something we spoke about before the Ballarat-Redan game, good sides always bounce back. Hopefully that means we're a good side because you don't see good sides have two bad performances.”