Aces prepared for showdown with Central Stags
After a narrow loss against the Volts yesterday the Aces are now fourth on the Ford Trophy ladder, one point ahead of the Stags.
Captain Craig Cachopa, who top-scored with 84 against Otago, believes the team has what it takes to reverse their recent fortunes.
“We’re in a tough position, no doubt, but the guys know what needs to be done,” he says.
“No one likes to be on the end of a loss, so we’re pretty determined to avoid another one.”
The Aces saw an improved performance from their previous two matches, and Cachopa thinks that the team has been able to take valuable lessons from those games.
“The bowlers have been doing a great job under pressure, though I’m sure they’d be happy with a bit more breathing room.”
The pace attack was bolstered by the return of Ben Lister, and with Mitchell McClenaghan, Danru Ferns, Sean Solia and Matt McEwan, the Aces have plenty of bowling options at their disposal.
Ferns also proved handy with the bat against Otago, scoring 35 from 32 balls.
There is one change to the squad to play the Stags, Roneel Hira replacing Teja Nidamanuru.
The Auckland Aces will play the Central Stags at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln, starting at 11:00 am.
Auckland Aces squad to play Central
Districts
Craig Cachopa (C)
Michael Barry
Graeme
Beghin
Jamie Brown
Danru Ferns
Roneel Hira
Ben
Horne (wk)
Ben Lister
Mitchell McClenaghan
Matt
McEwan
William O’Donnell
Sean
Solia