Dragons primed and ready for Dolphins in 4-Day clash
“We are targeting this home game, as we have been playing well at home. The players are ready and refreshed after the break. It’s important that we get the basics right with bat and ball against the Dolphins." - NW Dragons head coach, Craig Alexander.
The North West Dragons are heading into their final home game of the Cricket SA 4-Day Challenge this weekend at the JB Marks Oval in a must-win match against the Dolphins. The match scheduled to start at 10:00 on Saturday (31 January), will be an opportunity for both the Dragons and Dolphins to inch closer to a spot in the final. The Dragons are currently in second place on the table with 84.36 points behind the Warriors, who have 92.4 points.
The Dolphins are in fifth place on the log with 78.56 points, but a win this weekend could shift them into the top two.
A win will also solidify the Dragons’ chances of a guaranteed top spot finish, with only one league game left away to Boland from February 9-12.
“We are targeting this home game, as we have been playing well at home. The players are ready and refreshed after the break. It’s important that we get the basics right with bat and ball against the Dolphins,” stated NW Dragons head coach Craig Alexander.
He also referenced the defeat the Dragons suffered against the Warriors in December. That match turned into a painful innings loss for his team. Reflection on that match has helped to not repeat those mistakes.
Alexander reckons that the Dragons are in a fantastic position to get into the final.
“We have a full-strength squad, and we are fully aware of what is at stake.”
Rubin Hermann (372 runs), Meeka-eel Prince (379), and Dian Forrester (339) have been the top run-scorers for the Dragons this season.
Hermann will not be included in the Dragons setup after being called up to the Proteas squad for the T20 international series against the West Indies.
Forrester returns from his SA20 stint for the Joburg Super Kings in good form, and his all-round ability will be a key asset for the Dragons.
The Dragons’ bowling attack has not had a single standout performer, but rather a collective bowling effort where everyone picks up wickets at regular intervals. Alfred Mothoa, with 15 wickets at an average of 26, and Ruan de Swardt, with 14 wickets at an average of 21, have been the most impressive.
