Blues look to create more opportunities as finals approach

For the third time in five two-day rounds this season they Blues have failed to bowl out a side coming into the second half of the match.

The Bulldogs will resume on 8-229 and with Sam Perry unbeaten on 23 they are expected to bat on at Robertson Oval.

Captain Jeremy Rowe is hoping the Blues can strike earlier than what they did against St Michaels and Lake Albert.

"It's actually a scenario we've found ourselves in more often than not with two-day cricket this season," Rowe said.

"If you look at our last three games St Micks and Lake Albert were in similar scenarios, almost identical in fact.

"They came back and wanted to add to their total, which I believe is the right thing to do when on Robertson Oval, so we're coming in hoping and trying to clean things up with the minimum of fuss.

"That is always easier said than done and while they've got Sam Perry in there they've got the opportunity to make runs and make runs in a reasonably quick period of time.

"The first session is a dangerous one and whoever wins it will probably set the day up."

South Wagga are comfortably in second place on the ladder with just one loss so far this season.

However with Wagga City closing in on an outright win over Lake Albert, the Cats will have the advantage of a draw being enough to see them progress throughout the finals series.

Finishing in a lower position caught the Blues out when rain interrupted last season's grand final and the inability to bowl teams out is something Rowe has been trying to improve.

"We are always happy to be pretty open and honest with where we are at and without doubt we do have some concerns at the moment in regards to the fact we haven't bowled too many sides out within that initial 80 overs" he said.

"It is something we've continued to challenge our bowlers about and something we've tinkered with in regards to getting some new-ball wickets to our tally.

"We are really happy with where we are at as a cricket side without a doubt, we've got guys in form and have played good cricket across the course of the season, but are actively always trying to improve.

"Taking new-ball wicket and bowling sides out is our primary focus area at the moment."

South Wagga have one change with Luke Gerhard coming in for Mitch Sykes.

John Weule retains his place as cover for the injured Terry Willis.

The day will be played under lights with play to resume at 4pm.

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