Toronto Workers will be banking on some accurate bowling and exceptional fielding when play resumes against Charlestown at Kahibah Oval in the Newcastle District Cricket Association round seven match this Saturday.
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Looking to score their first two-day victory for the season, the Kookaburras have the home side at 8/113 chasing Toronto's first innings total of 128 all out.
It is an evenly poised contest which both sides are desperate to win.
Kookaburras captain and opener Corey Brown believes that his team of young charges - the oldest being just 21 years of age - had shown plenty of fighting spirit this season to give the team plenty of confidence going into day two.
"I have been very impressed with the way the team has carried itself this season, improving with every match and showing that we are prepared to fight till the end," Brown said.
"It has been a valuable learning curve for a team of youngsters and there is so much to look forward to as the season progresses."
After winning the toss last Saturday, Brown decided to bat - a decision he would soon regret. "I got a first ball duck, which was very disappointing."
The visitors struggled to reach their 128 total as the strong Charlestown bowling side ripped through the batting line-up. Toronto's English import Michael Pepper top scored with 24, and he was ably supported by lower order batsmen Andrew Sommerville (No 8) with 21 and No 9 Chad Mackie on debut scoring 19.
Not to be outdone the Toronto bowlers returned the favour, leaving their opponents 15 runs in arrears with just two wickets in hand.
The pick of the bowlers was quick Andrew Sommerville, who knocked over five of the top six batsmen in his 15 overs to finish the day with an impressive 5/45.
He had good support from fellow fast bowler John Westwood, who returned with the figures of 2/13 from his nine overs while Andrew's younger brother Josh Sommerville captured one wicket.
Brown, a junior who rose through the Toronto ranks, following a short stint with Dora Creek, says there is so much to look forward to, despite the lack of older, more experienced players in the first grade line-up.
"This is a rebuilding phase and we are determined to not let that be an excuse. I am proud of the way the players have worked hard at training and on game day and been able to fight in every match so far this season. Last Saturday's effort was a good example of that and it is hoped we can carry that into day two."
The focus this Saturday will be on starting well, and the possibility that a rare second innings result could be achieved.
Of its six round results this season, Toronto has recorded one victory and one draw to sit one point ahead of last placed Waratah-Mayfield on the premiership table.
The club's round eight match is at home at Ron Hill Oval against Cardiff-Boolaroo from December 14.
