RSL aims for first win

The Bulldogs need another 152 runs with eight wickets in hand to score the perfect start to the Christmas break.

After bowling out Lake Albert for 172 at McPherson Oval last week, Bulldogs captain Todd Henderson remains confident his team can breakthrough for a timely victory.

After losing Dan Terlich and Brad McMillan early, he believes the match is evenly poised.

“I still think it’s 50-50,” Henderson said.

“Obviously losing two wickets wasn’t ideal but with Joe Kenny and Zac Masterson still at the crease I think we are in a pretty good position.

After bowling the Bulls out in the 60th over, the Bulldogs made their way to 2-21 from their 17 overs.

Henderson said early wickets took some of the gloss off a good day for the club.

“They are a quality side so to bowl them out for 170 we were pretty happy with that,” Henderson said.

“We thought anything under 200 was probably a win for us.

“We knew it was going to be tricky, I personally think they have the strongest bowling attack in the comp, so that first hour was always going to be tough.

“To be two down we were pretty happy with in the end.”

Following five losses to start the season, Henderson is

“It’s been a long time coming and it’s something we’re working towards but we are definitely not home yet,” he said.

The skipper is looking for his side to show patience early and believes getting through the first hour will be the key to setting up victory.

“If we can bat for long periods of time I think we will be right,” Henderson said.

“We have the team that if we score runs they come fairly quickly but we have to value our wicket and work in partnerships.

“I think the first half an hour to hour will set up the game.

“If we can be no more than one more down after the first hour I think we will be well on our way.”

After picking up three key wickets on Saturday, James Stockton will return to second grade this week but Henderson doesn’t think he will be there for too long.

“I think he definitely deserves another crack,” Henderson said.

Ben Willis comes back in for Stockton.