Lake Albert is looking to back up a strong batting performance with the ball to secure an important win over Kooringal Colts.
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The premiers finished day one of the clash at 9-279 and aren’t expected to bat on at Harris Park on Saturday.
Instead they will be hunting wickets to ensure they keep their place in the top four.
Colts are five points ahead on the ladder so a win would see the Bulls move around them into third plus keep St Michaels behind them with three matches to go before finals begin.
The Saints are currently a point away in fifth, but have over 200 on the board against South Wagga.
After struggling with the bat this year, former captain Alex Smeeth was pleased to keep get things off on the right foot.
“We had another good start with Jacson Sommerville again facing a lot of balls, taking the shine off the ball and Jesse Hampton is obviously in really good form,” Smeeth said.
“He was unlucky he missed out on a hundred he deserved and then a few of the boys chipped it so we’re pretty happy to get to that score on a hot day.”
The Englishman made 31 while opening partner Sommerville (44) and Hampton (81) were the biggest contributors.
However runs down the order, including an unbeaten 25 from Sean Gaynor, helped the premiers get near the 300 mark.
Smeeth expects the side will bowl to start the days play.
“We certainly won’t bat on I don’t think,” he said.
“We don’t really see any merit in that especially as when we need to win some games.
“We’ve got to get Dave Bolton out, as well as a couple of others that can support him and that probably where the key to the day lies.
The in-form Bolton will be key to both sides chances.
Leading the competition with 526 runs at 58.44 this season, Bolton has two centuries and two centuries to his credit so far and is the man the Bulls need to snare.
“If Bolton gets a big hundred then they are a good chance of chasing that down, but he’s got to do that if they are a chance,” Smeeth said.
He believes two-day cricket suits the side better.
In their only longer format match of the season Lachie Skelly claimed nine wickets and the spinner could have a big impact on result once more.
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