ONE OF Woodford's most established batsmen says executing a basic fielding plan is pivotal if the Eels are to add another premiership to their growing stocks.
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Woodford will battle Merrivale in Thursday night's Warrnambool and District Cricket Association Twenty20 decider at Uebergang Oval.
Howlett said the Allansford ground - which is known for its lightning quick outfield - forced teams to bowl and field efficiently.
He told The Standard matching the Tigers' energy in the field was also vital.
"Fielding is just a big part of Twenty20 games. Dot ball pressure (is important) and cutting off any runs you can goes a long way to the end result," Howlett said.
You need to hold your catches in the field. That goes a long way.
- Kory Howlett
"I think that's what let us down when we lost to Merrivale this past Thursday night. I think we have a bit of match awareness from last time as we lost those early wickets.
"But the fielding is a massive part for us. You need to hold your catches in the field and that goes a long way."
Howlett, who typically bats top three, said the additions of Bailey Jenkinson and Adam Wines had created greater flexibility for the Eels.
He said the batting depth meant Woodford's top-order batsmen had the luxury of playing their shots without fear of dismissal.
"Bailey can sort of do both. He's great technically but he can also swing or dig in," Howlett said.
"Adam has been brilliant at number six too. He's given us a bit of freedom at the top of the order. He's an amazing batsman to have coming in at number six.
"He can come in and get a run a ball and he's averaging something like 50. That's been another things that has helped us but we feel like bat quite low now."
Howlett said the decider, which could gift Woodford its second short-form premiership of the season, was a "good chance to redeem ourselves".
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