Self belief key in Flinders shot

FLINDERS can take a big step towards first season credibility with a win over Strollers at Ivor Marsden 1, starting today.

To achieve that they need to show the self belief missing against Marburg the previous game, according to coach Shane Shipton.

He rates the Strollers bowling attack, whose confidence is high after a win over Easter Raiders, but believes his batsmen’s fate rests in their own hands.

“I definitely believe we have a side that’s more than competitive,” Shipton said.

“But our shot selections (have been poor).

“We’re getting ourselves out.

“Occupying the crease gets easier with time.

“If you hit five dots you don’t have to hit the next ball for four.

“Slowly that experience is getting there.”

Shipton is weighing up some changes to his batting order.

Brendan Fraser returns and is likely to open with Alistair Gill, with Shipton preferring to play Jared Lacey in the middle order.

The coach would like to see captain Jacob Sarra at number three, provided the wicket keeper batsman hasn’t just come from a tiring day behind the stumps.

“He is one of the most dangerous cricketers in Ipswich but you can’t live off that,” Shipton said of Sarra.

“You need to get some consistency. He’s got the temperament and can lead from number three.”

Jason Green is another option for first drop.

Shipton believes his team’s preparation for matches must also improve.

“It starts before the toss of the coin,” he said.

“Getting guys there an hour before the game – it is one of the most important hours of the day.

“Getting there at 11.30am and dragging your a..e around, you don’t set any standards.”

 In other Division 1 games, Brothers host Laidley at Ivor Marsden Ivor Marsden 2 while winless Central Districts host competition leaders Marburg at Mark Marsh Oval.