Wagga City’s premiership defence is on the line.
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The Cats have slipped to last with two rounds to play and need to start winning to keep their season alive.
While still only four points adrift of the top four, the clash with Wagga RSL at Robertson Oval looms vital for the club this weekend.
The Bulldogs currently occupy the last finals position and City captain Josh Thompson is hoping his team can work themselves out of a bad situation.
“We’ve dug ourselves into a bit of a hole here, but we have to keep looking forward,” Thompson said.
“The focus is on this week.
“We have to try and put a good batting performance together as I think that is what is letting down.
“We haven’t batted well after Christmas and haven’t played a lot of cricket to be honest.”
Thompson has put himself in the firing line as he’s called for the Cats senior batsmen to step up.
While Jon Nicoll has been outstanding again this season, with 182 runs at 91.00, Wagga City have struggled to maintain partnerships.
He finished unbeaten on 89 in the four-wicket loss to Lake Albert last time and Thompson is looking for the Cats to have longer stands at the crease with the Australian Country representative.
“We have to find some form from somewhere and look to find someone else to bat with Jono,” he said
“Myself and Maxy (Aaron Maxwell) just aren’t doing the job at the top of the order.
“Our senior guys need to do something this week otherwise the season is over.”
Despite the precarious position, there is still plenty of faith within the Wagga City ranks.
Especially after coming from a tricky position to win it all last season.
“The belief is still there,” Thompson said.
“We still believe we can win these last two games and makes finals.
“If we do it will be a pretty show.”
Thompson wants the club to turn their season around themselves and not have to rely on other results to go their way.
Wagga City will be at full strength to take on Wagga RSL but Thompson did not rule out making changes to their line-up.
Meanwhile Wagga RSL will be looking to make another giant leap towards a return to finals.
They made finals in 2014-15 but only won one match in the following two seasons.