Port Kembla skipper Ryan Mattas says round three opponent Helensburgh are the team to beat, while a semi-final spot is the target for his club this season.
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Port were beaten by last season’s two-day finalists University in round one but bounced back to chase down 200 in an impressive four wicket win over Wollongong last Saturday.
Helensburgh are the early leaders after beating Corrimal and then Northern Districts outright in round two.
Mattas says his club are among many teams in the mix for a top four spot this season.
‘‘It’s looks pretty even overall,’’ Mattas said after the big win over Wollongong.
‘‘Helensburgh look strong and I’d say they’re the one to beat, but most clubs will reckon they can beat any other.
‘‘Our batting was good to reach 200 and we’ve got to continue to make runs if we’re going to be there at the end of the season. Winning gives you confidence, so we’ll back ourselves against the Burgh.’’
From 3-91 Gavin McCauley (82) and Scott Smith (47) put on 74 to seal victory against a Wollongong side who have lost their first two games and are away to Wests Illawarra in the round three two-dayer.
Meanwhile, Corrimal skipper Rob Fisher believes his team are premiership contenders after beating Balgownie outright in a match in which both clubs chased the outright win.
The bowlers dominated on day one, before Bally set up an outright result with a declaration that left the Cougars to make 162 off 48 overs.
Corrimal were 2-15 and 3-59 before 19-year-old Jamie Dillon (63 not out) and Fisher (55) put on 75 for the fourth wicket to get the Cougars home.
Corrimal haven’t an easy draw; losing to the Burgh in round one, bouncing back against the Magpies and now away to a Dapto side, who have won their first two matches.
In other round three games, premiers Keira have lost their first two games and are away to the Butchers, while premiership big guns University and Balgownie meet at Uni Oval.
ILLAWARRA CRICKET
ROUND 3 (Day 1)
Wests Illawarra v Wollongong at Figtree Oval
Port Kembla v Helensburgh at King George Oval
Northern Districts v Keira at Hollymount Oval
University v Balgownie at Uni Oval
Dapto v Corrimal at Reed Park
