When Mornington take to the field for day two of their clash against Kookaburras at Wolseley Oval on Saturday, they will be chasing one of the most important wins in their history.
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For it has been almost three years since the club won a first-grade match – the last taste of victory coming against Kookaburras in round 11, 2016.
On Saturday, Kookaburras will resume at 5-36 chasing 144.
But while Mornington captain Sam Lumby said “any team” would be confident of victory in that position, it was important not to “get ahead of ourselves”.
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“We’ve still got a job to get done,” he said, adding that the key to victory would be snaring Kookaburras No.4 Kris Lodge (eight not out) early.
“He’s the key wicket now – hopefully we can get the others too,” Lumby said.
Lumby said Mornington’s batting was improving and their fielding was “100 times better”.
Since being appointed captain this season, he has lured a host of players to the side – and he believes that Mornington now has a vibrant, youthful tint.
“They all seem keen to play,” he said.
“I think it’s helped that a lot of us are young.
“Like, it’s not that big age gap [between players] … It might help a bit – I’m not 100 per cent sure.
“A lot of them were already mates before playing [and that] always helps.”
Lumby said having Callum Hayne back in the side had given the bowling attack much more teeth. Hayne claimed 5-15 off eight overs on day one.
“He moves the ball in the air so well,” the skipper said.
With Kookaburras’ senior players back in the sheds, a lot will rest on the youngsters.
Kookaburras captain Cameron Milne said it was “not unrealistic” that the side could pull off the upset.
“If we get three blokes getting 30 each, that’s the tally,” he said.
At Kitchener Park on Saturday, Albion will resume at 2-34 chasing 208 for victory.
James Mack, who is standing in as Albion skipper for the injured Brad Jenkinson, is hopeful the side will get a lift from returning players on Saturday.
“We just need a few blokes to do what they [Court House] did and put on a few partnerships,” he said.
