DENNINGTON’S appetite for Warrnambool and District Cricket Association glory is growing as the finals window edges closer to slamming shut.
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The Dogs are leading a pack of determined contenders who are still mathematically a chance of hijacking fourth place if Wesley-CBC is to lose on Saturday.
It is preparing for a cut-throat clash with two-time premier Woodford, but is buoyed by the fact it toppled the powerhouse in two out of three meetings last season.
While Dennington has suffered with inconsistency this season, coach Daminda Ranaweera backed his charges to post enough runs leading into the must-win game.
“I think the boys have done well over the last couple of weeks and there have been a couple of guys in very good form for us,” the Sri Lankan mentor said.
“It’s been superb for the club. I am hoping we can be better on another level against Woodford. We are feeling pretty confident.
“I am planning it out that we need to win this game. I know the other teams (chasing finals) need to win too but our plan is to defeat Woodford.”
The 36-year-old admitted his team needed to perform with bat-in-hand if it was to topple the reigning premier.
He said seam bowlers Pete Shepherd and Steve Wythe had formed a dangerous partnership in recent weeks and would again play an important role if the Dogs were to steal victory.
“We are back in form with the ball and we are pretty confident in all of our bowlers,” Ranaweera told The Standard.
“I have to worry about the batting but if we can make a few runs and put them up on the board, I’m sure we can make the finals.
“We just have to get a partnership on the board and get a good base of runs at our home ground I’m fairly confident.”
The Dogs are placed in fifth, trailing Wesley-CBC in fourth by just four points.
They are wedged in front of West Warrnambool, East Warrnambool, Nestles and Allansford and are banking on the Gators to snare an upset win over Wesley-CBC to keep their finals dream alive.
Elsewhere, West Warrnambool will lock horns with Nestles in a game which could also influence finals standings.
The Panthers kept their hopes alive last weekend with a thrilling last-ball victory over Wesley-CBC.
East Warrnambool will host Nirranda at Jones Oval, while Brierly-Christ Church will welcome Merrivale to its turf pitch in an attempt to close the season on a high note.
Jetty Flat is set to host a top-of-the-ladder clash between Port Fairy and Russells Creek while Wesley-CBC is set to lock horns with Allansford at Walter Oval in an effort to shore up fourth place.
