In cricket, there’s no such thing as an unbeatable team.
While Rovers United Bruck may be the reigning A grade premiers, and while they may have sent a statement last weekend with a nine-wicket win to kickstart their title defence, it always pays to be cautious, especially against quality opposition like Beechworth Wanderers.
Hawks skipper Jeremy Wilson said Beechworth could never be underestimated.
“It’s a new season, but Brenton Surrey’s still making runs [63 off 66 vs Oven Valley United] – any time he’s making runs it’s a bonus for them and ominous for opposition teams,” he said.
“We know what they’re like, they’ve got some new faces and some old faces.
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“It’s one-day cricket – we spoke about it after the game last week that there are going to be some games where everything goes right and games where not much goes right.
“It’s just about continuing on with the basics that we started well with last week.
“I’m sure Beechworth will come out all guns blazing trying to right the wrongs from last week.”
Two of the Hawks’ new recruits are available for selection, and could make their debuts when they host Beechworth Wanderers at WJ Findlay Oval from 12.30pm tomorrow.
It also presents a chance for more players to wield the willow, given only three batters were needed last weekend.
“Ryan Barnes and Michael Honman, two of our off-season recruits, are both available, so it’s a matter of where they fit in, but we’ll work that out at training,” Wilson said.
“You can’t really be upset as we only had three blokes bat last week and chase 120.
“That’s going to be the way it goes, when it’s your turn to go you’ve got to be ready.
“We would’ve had two more hits in the nets by the time Saturday rolls around, so the boys will be keen to get among it if they didn’t get a hit last week.”
Beechworth Wanderers captain Matt Ryan said his squad was eager to test themselves against the reigning premiers.
“Rovers this week will be a good challenge,” Ryan said.
“Their core group of older players are smart and experienced so we will be wary of them.
“There isn't much of an out-there strategy for us, just bowl tight line and put pride on our wickets, keep it simple for the first few games.”
Over at Bill O’Callaghan Oval, City Colts will be looking to post their first win of the season when they take on Yarrawonga Mulwala, who had the bye last weekend.
