BRIERLY-CHRIST Church's bowlers have ensured it's in the hunt for the club's first two-day premiership in the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association's top grade.
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The Bulls, led by the bowling of captain Mark Murphy (4-24 off 17.4 overs) and Jason Mungean (3-29 off 29), head into day two of their grand final against the reigning champions Russells Creek needing 103 for victory.
But Murphy and his men are coming up against a formidable opponent in Creek, which has been a regular in the association's grand finals over the past two seasons.
"They are a really good side to restrict to 102 and we are very pleased but that is only half the job done," the Bulls' leader said.
"We have to come out with the bat and be positive and just get the runs. We need to play basic cricket and wait for our shots and knowing your game is important and backing it in.
"You have played 17-plus games this season and you should know your game, if you don't you're in trouble, so just backing yourself in and know what works for you."
Russells Creek skipper Cam Williams was confident his bowlers could defend his side's small total.
"Runs on the board in any grand final or any kind of final is a good thing. They bowled pretty well and the wicket still had a little bit in it at the start and hopefully when we come out tomorrow," he said.
"Our bowlers have been doing the job all year and we are looking forward to the challenge but runs on the board in a final is always a big thing."
Williams (21 off 91 balls) and Rukshan Weerasinghe (23 off 60) were Creek's top scorers.
But besides middle order batsman Brett Nuske, who dug in after tea to add 12 off 126 balls before being trapped LBW off the bowling of Jason Greer, they were the only ones to reach double figures.
Bulls' bowler Jacob Brooks was handy throughout the day to finish with 2-24 from his 14 overs.
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
