By Nick Creely
The Casey-South Melbourne train keeps on rolling, and after comfortably knocking off the Greenvale Kangaroos, are one-step closer to a stunning finals berth.
After claiming first-innings points in stunning fashion last week, the Swans batted once again, and looked in a spot of bother at 7/115 before finally staving off any potential reverse-outright loss, bowled out for 170 and chewing up plenty of overs.
Nathan Lambden (30) was the top-scorer for the Swans, shielding the visitors from any potential loss, while Leigh Diston (12 not out) once again stood out with his ability to stay at the crease.
Kangaroos spinner Sunam Gautam (6/52) was stellar, and almost single-handily dragged the home side into a strong position.
With seven-per-over required for victory, Brendan Rose (3/11) picked up three early scalps, taking his tally to eight for the match, shutting out any potential reverse-outright, before the Kangaroos stone-walled and played it out until stumps, finishing on 3/36.
Swans coach Brian Keogh said that despite not playing at their absolute best, continuing to win and build before finals was vital for the confidence of the team.
“We got ourselves into a bit of trouble – then our tail all batted for long periods and sort of shut them out of the game – Lamby (Nathan Lambden) was the pick of the batters,” he explained.
“They had 25 overs to bat to get the runs – in their favour they probably knew it was hard to get 10 wickets in that time – we got three wickets quickly and they shut up shop and batted it out.
“We got away with the six points – it’s now onwards and upwards for us.
“We try and stay in the moment – we probably won the first session, lost the second and then won the third – we went there with the intention of going for 10 points if it was possible – but we wanted to preserve the win.
“Greenvale, to their credit, bowled well both innings, but we batted below par and bowled pretty well – it was good not to play at our best and still come away with a win.”
Looking towards the final rounds of the season, the Swans must win against Kingston Hawthorn this week and ensure their spot in the finals, something Keogh and his troops are well aware of.
“Kingston has as much to play for this week as we do – but the prize for us is that a win guarantees us a spot in the finals,” he said.
“Having not played finals for such a long time, of course we look at it – our players will have their own calculations but we try not to talk about it, but we’re not naive, we know what’s required.”
Meanwhile, James Pattinson (6/43 and 131) has inspired Dandenong to a comprehensive victory over Melbourne at Shepley Oval.
Pattinson tore the Demons to shreds in a stunning bowling effort, as he continues to build his game after a long lay-off with injuries.
