Wauchope RSL will need to regain some momentum if it wants to get serious about playing the semi final series in the 2019/20 Mid North Coast Cricket Council premier league.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
With the side playing just two games in the last six rounds - and the result games were split between a win and a loss - the side is fast running out of time to edge closer to the competition frontrunners.
Wauchope will have the bye this weekend before the final three rounds of the home and away series are played.
The remaining matches aren't easy either.
They will host Wingham on February 29 before heading to South Kempsey on March 7 where they will play Rovers.
In the final round match - on March 14 - Wauchope will host Port Macquarie Pirates in what could be a crunch game.
Club spokesperson Matt Miller says the side needs to place a higher value on their wicket.
"If we want to play semi finals we have to start batting the full 40 overs out," Miller said.
"If we do that, we can post a very good, competitive score which will give our bowlers the chance to get the job done.
If we do that, we can post a very good, competitive score which will give our bowlers the chance to get the job done.
- Matt Miller
"It's as simple as that: bat the full 40 overs; it is crucial," he said.
"All our batsmen have to really concentrate on each ball as it comes and not premeditate any shot selection."
Miller said it was vital that every batsman lifted their concentration levels and value their wicket more.
The all-rounder praised several newcomers to the side, including bowlers Will Clarke and Riley Mallyon.
"Bowling has been our strength this season and these young, new guys have really stepped up to the mark," he said.
"They have been bowling excellent line and length along with plenty of patience shown with each bowl bowled.
"And they (the bowlers) are bowling in good partnerships too and that has really helped us to build pressure on opposition batsmen."
While the side will enjoy a bye this weekend, the following match on February 29 against Wingham will be a fundraising day for the Jane McGrath Foundation.
Miller said the pink stumps day match will feature plenty of raffles with tickets to be sold throughout the day's play. The raffles will be drawn later that evening at the Hastings Hotel.
"We'd like to see plenty of people come down and get involved in this fundraising event," Miller said.
Wauchope is currently sitting in sixth place on 38 competition points with Port City Leagues Magpies just ahead in fifth place on 38.5 points.
Rovers is the clear leader on 52 points, with United and Wingham equal on 37 points with Port Macquarie Pirates clinging to fourth spot on 39.5 points.
