Oak Flats captain Scott McAndrew is eager to see his team's young batsmen flourish throughout the remainder of the South Coast regular season.
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The Rats bowlers have largely excelled throughout the first half of the competition, but the team's batsmen have struggled at times in the white-ball formats.
With the red ball to be used almost exclusively for the remainder of the summer, McAndrew is looking forward to seeing his team bat patiently, starting this weekend against Kookas.
"I've been pretty happy with how we've bowled, but would like to see more output from everyone with the bat," McAndrew said. "It's not through lack of effort, we're trying hard and training well, it's about guys stepping up and making the most of their opportunities.
"We're a young side, we're hoping the two-day format suits us. Some of our young fellas have good technique, but not the power for white ball cricket."
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The round 12 clash with Kookas comes before a treacherous period for the Rats, McAndrew's side playing the three teams above them on the ladder in three consecutive matches.
While a top-two finish is unlikely, the all-rounder is looking to see his side build towards the finals.
"The top four are pretty much set, it's now about jostling for spots. Top two may be out of reach, but for us it's about trying to play as well we can going into the semis. We want to see our best XI on the field every week."
Saturday's other matches will see Lake Illawarra face Albion Park and Shellharbour take on The Rail.
South Coast Cricket Round 12
Saturday January 25, 1pm:
ALBION PARK v LAKE ILLAWARRA at Keith Gray Oval
KOOKAS v OAK FLATS at Oakleigh Park
SHELLHARBOUR v THE RAIL at Tom (Scout) Willoughby Oval.
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