Russells Creek can channel Merrivale Tigers' bite in field as it vies to secure another premiership

For Russells Creek skipper Matt Petherick, it's knowing how to squeeze the best out of every player.

The reigning two-day premier knows its strengths and isn't afraid to talk about its weaknesses.

Petherick wants the Jetty Flat-based club to prioritise fielding and will borrow from a template used at his former club Merrivale this past season.

"They really prided themselves on that and that won them games," he told The Standard.

"Woodford were probably a prime example of that too. They've got some fit blokes and they can really pounce on a ball too and catch you by surprise.

"It's an area we need to improve and it's an easy wicket in a game of cricket, if you can get a run-out or create a chance in the field. I think that's where we can lift. Our batting as well but our fielding is probably our next step."

Petherick said the Creekers had retained their playing list and were poised to press for more Warrnambool and District Cricket Association finals. The season was initially scheduled for an October 2 start but it's expected to be pushed back at least a week as the WDCA grapples with Victoria's eased COVID-19 restrictions.

He said his side - most of which arrived at the club more than three seasons ago - were gelling well and felt familiarity was a strength.

"You find out where people can start to ramp up and have a say and where some might be happy to sit back and let their cricket do the talking," Petherick said.

"That's probably the part where we've found it fits in well playing year-by-year with the same people."

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