CROYDON is 120 runs away from a major upset against Coburg in a Victorian Sub District Cricket match that resumes at Croydon Oval this Saturday.
The Cockies summoned their best bowling on the first day, bowling out the Burgers for 163 before getting to 2-41 at stumps. Captain Hagan Shakespeare (19 not out) and Riley Paterson (one not out) are at the crease.
Cockies bowlers Steve Wright (4-38), Hamish Paterson (2-36) and Riley Paterson (2-13) were the chief destroyers.
Shakespeare said his side now faced a difficult opening session this Saturday.
"One hundred twenty is one of those scores; sometimes those smaller totals can be harder to chase," he said.
"There is nothing wrong with the wicket. It has come up well again and I expect it will be just as good this Saturday.
"We just have to go about chasing down our runs and make sure we stay at the crease and not lose wickets in quick succession."
Shakespeare praised his side's bowling and fielding, which has been a strength this season.
"We bowled in good areas and built up pressure.
"They got away from us at one stage and were making four runs an over but Wright and Riley Paterson were put on together and bowled us back into the match by slowing down their runs and bringing wickets."
Shakespeare said his side, despite having a lowly place on the ladder, would fight out the season and hoped to get two late wins before the season ended.
"Our big focus is that we want to regain some pride and put some wins on the board to end the year the right way."
The two sides resume play at Croydon Oval at 1pm this Saturday.