Bellbridge will be out to wipe the slate clean on the second day of what is proving to be a difficult clash with Williamstown Congs in the WDCA A-turf.
The Bridge is staring down the barrel of defeat after the first day, when little went right for the premiership contenders.
“We had a pretty average day,” Bridge playing president Mark Croswell told Star Weekly.
“We’ve nothing to lose now, so we need to knuckle down this week and try to take as many wickets as we can and try and make a game for us.”
Bellbridge was skittled for just 95 in 45.3 overs at Mossfeil Reserve on Saturday.
That was even more disappointing considering the start made by Martin Ritchie (26) and Dave Henderson (25).
They took the shine off the ball and put in 40 for the opening partnership, but from then on it was a procession of wickets.
The Bridge lost 9-55, with Congs second-change bowler Mitch Alexander taking 5-6 from six overs.
“From our point of view, it was more a lack of application from our batsmen,” Croswell said.
“We just didn’t knuckle down at stages when we were losing one and two wickets.
“This week it turned into four or a five and we just never recovered.
“Batsmen not taking their opportunities is going to come back to haunt us I think.”
Williamstown Congs cruised to stumps on 2-69 in reply and are odds-on favourites to claim first innings points.
With Congs needing to make up a lot of ground on the teams in the top four and Bellbridge with a nothing-to-lose mentality, the second day’s play could be an appetising main course in this one.
“It’s in our best interests to go for a reverse outright but that means we’ll have to get quick wickets next week,” Croswell said.
“If they give us enough overs, we’ll try to put on a quick score and maybe entice them to go for an outright.
“They’re two games behind us and need the points as much as anybody, so hopefully both teams are positive.”
