FEARS of relegation are driving the Warrnambool camp as Nathan Murphy’s side steadies itself for a fixture which threatens its provincial-grade status.
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Warrnambool’s top-tier fate will be decided in a do-or-die battle against Murray Valley after it suffered a demoralising 127-run loss to Mornington on Wednesday.
Murphy, a Brierly-Christ Church champion, admitted his men were hurting but had quickly turned attention to avoiding relegation.
“We’re disappointed. But we still have a lot to play for and I know the boys are going to fire up,” he told The Standard.
“We absolutely just have to win on Thursday. We’ll debrief about the entire week after that but at the moment, there’s no point worrying about (missing the semi finals).
“We’ve got a massive game against Murray Valley as two go up and two go down. We didn’t want to be in this situation, but we are.
“I think the experience in the squad is really going to help us.
“We’re desperate to get a win for Burgo (Jeremy Burgess) as he’s had his birthday up here and it’d be good to give him something to celebrate.”
Warrnambool’s poor batting form was again a key feature in the Mornington loss – with just three players edging double figures.
Allansford skipper Chris Bant – who blasted 69 from 57 balls – was a shining light in an otherwise dark day.
Murphy praised Bant’s innings and his form at the carnival.
“Number three is a hard spot to bat because you’re either in early or you’re there to keep the runs flowing,” he said.
“He’s batted very well. He’s punished the bad balls, and his running between the wickets has been great.
“He’s also been really strong for us in the field and has held his catches.”
The second-year skipper revealed more time at the crease was vital as Warrnambool vied to avoid the drop.
“The two games we’ve lost, we’ve been chasing the runs. It’s probably about getting our pacing right in the chase,” Murphy said.
“We’ve just got to get the runs on the board – and to build partnerships. A few batsmen probably haven’t fired and that’s hurt us a bit.
“We’ll be doing everything we can to get a win. There’s no doubt about that.
“It’s cut-throat. If you don’t win two games, you could be out of it altogether. We’ve just taken a bit of time to adjust but we’re really keen to make sure we stay a provincial grade association.”
Hamilton also failed to fire, falling to Wangaratta by 75 runs at Croydon Park Oval.
Opener Charles Murray blasted 49, while Hamish McCrae managed four wickets in his first bowling spell of the campaign.
Warrnambool’s match against Murray Valley will take place at 10am.
