Top order batsman Harry Ganley says sticking with what has lifted East Ballarat into the top four will be the key to getting over Golden Point in a Ballarat Cricket Association firsts semi-final at Alfredton on Saturday and Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Ganley, in his third season with the Hawks, said the emphasis would be on "doing what we've been doing. Don't change."
East Ballarat went from six wins and sixth last season to a dominant 11 wins and second.
Ganley said everything had fallen into place.
"We've become closer as a group. Training has been better. It's a good place to be."
Ganley has batted at number three most of the season and said knowing there was a middle with the quality of Jacob Eyers, Tristan Dixon, Josh Brown and Brad Whittaker provided confidence.
He believes 250 runs will be a minimum requirement in the semi-final.
East Ballarat and Golden Point have shared honours in their two home and away clashes this season, with 248 the lowest total.
In a surprise selection, East Ballarat has strayed away from what has been the norm in 2018-19 and called up club legend Carl Haseloff for his first game in the firsts for the season.
Haseloff last played firsts two seasons ago, but has continued to pile on the runs in seconds and thirds.
He has made 445 runs across the two grades this season, averaging 55.
Haseloff made 114 in his latest outing against Dunnstown in the seconds.
He played in East Ballarat's only two first eleven premierships and the Hawks will undoubtedly be looking for his experience to be a steadying influence down the batting order and in the field.
Jarrod Blandford is also back for the Hawks.
