Hoppers Crossing has to get back to its best if it is to make sure it qualifies for the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west finals.
The Cats have dropped their past two games against fellow finals contenders, Werribee and Altona, and now sit in sixth spot with two rounds remaining with teams right on their heels.
Cats’ coach Simon Lambert said it’s been a couple of disappointing weeks.
“It’s not been ideal, particularly yesterday [Sunday],” he said.
“Obviously it was our biggest game of the season so far and had we got a win we would have shored up finals.
“Our best cricket can beat anyone. We have to find it at the right time.”
On the weekend against Altona, the Cats had patches of some really good cricket.
On Saturday, they had Altona in trouble at 5-15.
“It was really pleasing,” Lambert said of the start.
“Credit to them they had two guys who put on the best part of 150 with no chances.
“They looked like they would get more than 220 at one stage, the pitch was good for batting.
“We were happy with 220 and thought that was under par.”
The A’s were bowled out for 221 late on Saturday.
Harshit Takkar, Brett Smith and Aryaman SIngh each took three wickets for the Cats.
The Cats then got off to a flier with the bat and at 1-114 were in complete control.
That’s when it all started to go wrong for the Cats.
“I got out and everybody folded,” he said. “It was pretty weak and disappointing.
“There were no issues other than the issues we had when we imploded.
“It’s been a bit disappointing the last two weeks. You don’t mind losing to a good side, but it’s been our own fault.”
Lambert top scored for the Cats with 41.
The equation still leaves the Cats finals hopes in their own hands.
Win both games they play finals, win one game and they will need results to go their way to guarantee a spot.
Lambert said it doesn’t matter where you finish in the top six, as long as you make it.
“We found that out last year when sixth place beat us in the grand final,” he said.
“You can be an ordinary team during the season and have three good performances and win a flag.”
Elsewhere, Werribee remains in second spot after beating Yarraville.
The Tigers made 308 on day one of the match with Nathan Taylor making 115.
Yarraville was then bowled out for 152.
Mitchell Cullen took 3-29 for the Tigers.
