DUSTIN Drew says teams can't "flirt with form" while trying to gain ascendancy in the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association's upcoming Twenty20 fixtures.
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The Dennington coach, who steered his club to a shock short-form premiership this past season, said the competition's evenness meant consistency was vital.
Dennington finished ninth overall in 2019-20 but showed glimpses of prowess, particularly in short-form cricket.
Drew said his new-look team, which features a fresh top and middle order, would look to improve its run tallies after relying on bowling and fielding in previous campaigns.
You make your own luck but our batting was pretty ordinary but when you look at our top six this year, it's entirely different.
- Dustin Drew
"We were in a lot of games that didn't really go our way last season," he said.
"You make your own luck but our batting was pretty ordinary but when you look at our top six this year, it's entirely different.
"In the past we've probably had to back our bowling and fielding to get results. You just need guys chipping in. (Warrnambool) cricket has evolved a bit and usually 150 or 160 is a good score."
Dennington will tackle reigning two-day premier Brierly-Christ Church on Thursday, the same team it defeated to win this past season's Twenty20 flag.
The win-loss ledger is firmly in the Dogs' favour, too. Dennington secured an upset two-run one-day victory over the Bulls in round one.
"We do have a good record against them," Drew said.
"It's one of those, given how even the competition is, that could easily go either way.
"I think the ladder at the moment isn't a true indication of where everyone is at. With (second-bottom) West Warrnambool, we beat them convincingly but they're still a good side. I really think the Twenty20s will sort out a few things."
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