The Hollywoodbets Dolphins head into their final three round robin games in the 2017/18 RAM SLAM T20 Challenge with their destiny in their own hands. The excitement kicks off with a pivotal match against the bizhub Highveld Lions at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Wednesday night.
It has been a challenging season for the Dolphins on many fronts. Weather disruptions have robbed them of four of their seven games, and they’ve also experienced narrow losses in the final moments. Coach Grant Morgan remains positive that the team can turn those near misses into wins.
“We dominate extended periods of the game and win a lot of the small battles within the game,” Morgan said.
“But sometimes we fall short on the big moments, missing that extra run or crucial yard.
“All the ingredients are there; otherwise, we wouldn’t be taking games down to the last ball or losing by just one run.
“Training is going well, spirits are high, and the commitment is strong. We just need to polish those finer details.”
As the tournament nears its climax, all teams remain in contention for a play-off berth, but Morgan is steadfast in his approach.
“Nothing changes for us; we stick to our routines and prepare ball by ball,” he noted.
“Our goal is to go out and win all three upcoming games. Maintaining happiness within the squad is key, and we all need to dig deep to find that extra edge that will make the difference,” he added.
The Dolphins have been in commanding positions previously, and Morgan believes there is still plenty of opportunity to alter the standings.
“Last season, we were leaders in two competitions but finished fourth, so anything can happen.
“Our aim is to move from fourth or fifth up to first or second, but technically qualifying in fourth place is enough.
“We can turn the tables on the other teams just as they did to us last season. No reason to panic – we just have to keep pushing forward,” Morgan emphasised.
Star player Rob Frylinck, who recently celebrated a hat-trick against the Warriors, has been a domestic cricket stalwart and is eager to translate personal success into team victories.
“Personal milestones are great, but ultimately, we want to win matches as a team,” Frylinck shared candidly.
“We seem to have struggled to close out games, and our batting performance at St George’s on a favourable wicket was below par.
“As a unit, we need to perform better.”
The Hollywoodbets Dolphins are next set to visit Bloemfontein to face the VKB Knights on Friday evening before concluding their round robin stage against the Multiply Titans at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Sunday.
HOLLYWOODBETS DOLPHINS SQUAD:
Sarel Erwee, Morne Van Wyk, Khaya Zondo (c), Sibonelo Makhanya, Andile Phehlukwayo, Rob Frylinck, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Athi Maposa, Imran Tahir, Mthokozisi Shezi, Dane Vilas, Vaughn van Jaarsveld.
For more details, please visit www.dolphinscricket.co.za
