Ballarat-Redan will chase a dream start to the 2020-21 Ballarat Cricket Association season on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Two Swords will look to open the season unbeaten in its round two clash with Mt Clear at Alfredton Turf.
Ballarat-Redan captain Chris Egan said a win over the Mounties would relive a great deal of pressure off the club, which will face last season's top three sides over the next three weeks.
"You always want wins before Christmas and if you can knock off a few good sides early it takes the pressure off," he said.
"Hopefully we can get another one or two wins in the next two weeks to show we are on the mark."
READ MORE
The club opened the season in impressive fashion two weeks ago, with a 35-run triumph over Wendouree. It will enter the match unchanged from round one, with paceman Brendan Thomson still out with injury.
Mt Clear will also have a weakened attack after dropping its opener to East Ballarat. Opening bowler Matthew Messemaker is unavailable, as is John Butler and leg spinner Ash George.
Mounties captain Jarrod Burns said they would need to slow down Jayden Hayes and Jack Riding - both of whom are capable of scoring runs quickly.
"I think it's going to come down to batting and who can restrict who the most," he said.
Meanwhile East Ballarat will enter unchanged when it faces defending premier Darley at Russell Square. Former Victorian Bushranger Blake Thomson will open the batting again after making 65 last week.
At the other end, the Lions regained the services of premiership bowler Mitch Ward, however he will play in the seconds this week as he works his way back into the top team.
His replacement Dayle Locke, who finished with figures of 1-25 in Darley's round one victory over Golden Point, will remain in the top side.
Elsewhere Brown Hill will be without Kyle Hayes for its clash with North Ballarat at Northen Oval. He will be replaced by youngster Kento Dobell.
Roosters coach Darren Wilson also reported no changes in what he expects to be another scrappy match.
"I think every team will be a little bit scratchy in these early rounds," he said.
