LDCA A grade cricket
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TOMORROW starts the second round of A grade one-day matches with some teams hoping to reverse their round one fortunes and others seeking to improve and a good start.
One of those teams reaching towards the top of its game is the Yanco Cougars, who currently lead the overall and one-day ladder.
With just a loss to second-placed Narrandera in the opening rounds, Cougars are playing to their potential as they prepare to host Phantoms CC at Narrandera Park.
"We're very happy with the way we're travelling at the moment, except the hiccup with Narrandera a couple of weeks ago," captain Adrian Axtill said.
"We were on top for 95 per cent of that game, but (Narrandera) have been doing it consistently for two or three seasons so it is no surprise they hang in there and win the close games.
"I think it is something our guys need to understand and know the game's never really over until it's over."
The Cougars set themselves internal goals, which are adjusted along the way and it is meeting them that has set up such a strong start to the season.
"Apart from the Narrandera game, we've ticked most of them and in that game we only missed a couple," Axtill said.
While opener Corey Graham is still striving for consistency with his batting and another young gun Mitchell Hardie has been unlucky, Axtill said the form of senior players has countered that.
"In the last couple of weeks, Chris Cox, myself and Justin Kelly, as senior players in the team, it has been pleasing for me and Tony (Graham) as coach that the older guys are leading the way," he said.
Another apsect of the success has been "bringing the fun back", with players looking forward to training and playing.
"Little things we've tweaked and changed, we've got enthusiasm back to a high level," Axtill said.
"Guys are looking to reach internal goals we set each week. You string a few wins together and the game's fun again.
"It's funny how you get on a roll and winning becomes a habit."
This week's opponent has yet to register a one-day win, but Axtill can't discount what the Phantoms can bring to Narrandera Park.
"It will be interesting to see how the deck goes over there," he said. "I know it has been getting some pretty good reports.
"It will all come down to whether the Phantoms have a full side and we have a full side. It should be a pretty good game, a lot closer than the first round.
"(Phantoms) put a pretty decent price on wickets at the top.
"With 'Hoppy' (Adam Hopkins) you get eight overs of the ball coming at you, then you have 'Wecko' (Steve Weckert), if he's playing, or someone at the other end at a different pace.
"It all suggests a good game. It is a couple of teams that play good, hard cricket, but with a good vibe on the ground."
Draw
A grade
Round 6 (one day)
LSC Colts v Narrandera (Mark Taylor Oval)
Phantoms CC v Yanco Cougars (Narrandera Park)
Yanco Hotel v L&D CC (Yanco Sportsground)
B grade
Round 6
LSC Colts v Narrandera (LHS No. 2)
Phantoms CC v Yanco Hotel (YAHS)
Bye - Yanco Cougars
C grade
Round 6
Yanco Cougars v Narrandera (LHS No. 1)
Phantoms CC v Yanco Hotel (No. 2 Oval)