With the finals now only five weeks away, the Coro Cougars will be looking to continue to build their momentum starting against Hanwood on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Cougars are sitting on top of the table with a three-point lead over Exies Diggers and will be looking to extend an undefeated streak which stretches back to mid-December.
Captain Haydn Pascoe said his side isn't placing too much emphasis on picking up the minor premiership.
"It is good for the competition to see the table this tight because it means everyone is in the game," he said.
"If we pick up the minor premiership that will be a nice bonus, but we want to make sure we are picking up wins, so we are heading into the finals in form."
The game will also be an important one for the Hanwood as they have been dragged back into the fight for fourth place as they are only eight points ahead of the fifth-placed Leagues side so will be looking to further that gap with the Panthers having the bye.
RELATED
For the Cougars, they will be heading into the clash without the services of experienced batsman Rob Rand who will miss the next couple of weeks after having a minor operation.
Pascoe is happy with the replacement the Cougars have at their disposal in the shape of Will Kennedy.
"He is a great replacement and will be available for the next couple of weeks," he said.
"He has a bit more experience. It's hard with him being at university, but we make the most of it when he is at home."
The form of Dean Bennett since the Christmas break also has the Coro captain confident his side can get the job done this weekend.
"It has been good to see him getting runs," he said.
"We all know what he can do, but he went through a tough patch at the start of the season, but it is good to see him finding form at the right time of the season."
Pascoe who is coming off a leg injury which ruled him out of the entirety of last season has started to bowl again.
"It's started to feel a lot better," he said.
"The first few times, I woke up a bit ginger the next day, but it is starting to feel alright."
First ball will be bowled at 1pm on Saturday at Westend Oval.
****
It has been Australia's lost summer. Drought, hail, floods and, worst of all, bushfires have ravaged communities all over the nation. But the selfless actions of friends, family, neighbours, strangers, local groups and volunteer organisations have inspired us and strengthened the bonds of community. Please join us in saying thanks to the heroes of the home front by sharing your stories of gratitude. To salute a person or a group, please use the form below.