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Cape Town - Titans coach Rob Walter believes their result against rivals the Highveld Lions in the latest round of Sunfoil Series games could go a long way to deciding the destiny of the title ahead of their final match of the season against the Cape Cobras in Paarl this week.
The top-of-the-table side secured a valiant draw in Centurion last week to hold a substantial 12.62 point lead heading into the final set of games.
While a draw might be enough at Boland Park starting from Thursday, Walter is not willing to leave anything to chance as the Lions have the bottom-of-the-table Warriors to contend with this week.
“Four day cricket sometimes isn’t just about winning the game,” Walter said. “Sometimes you have to hang on for a tough draw and that what the last game was all about. I'm really happy with the way we hung in there at the end.
“It’s a vital result and I think it has just made our lives that little bit easier. We still need a fair amount of bonus points to get over the line, but we have made it easier now.”
Walter also warned not to forget the Cobras in the final round of games with the Cape hosts having won two out of their last three games.
“You don’t have too many easy games and just looking at their team from the weekend you can see the amount of quality they possess,” he explained. “The Cobras are traditionally a very good four-day outfit and I don’t think this weekend will be any different.”
But Walter was optimistic about his side’s chances, adding: “I am quietly confident. But I also do know that in four-day cricket anything can happen, so we’ve got to make sure we’re on the money and get the job done.”
The Titans are expecting minimal changes for the game.
Meanwhile, Cobras boss Paul Adams wants to end the season well after a fairly poor campaign by their high standards.
“We haven’t been too bad in recent weeks and we are keen to end the season well,” he said. “The Titans will obviously come here confident, but they’ll also be feeling a bit of pressure.
“We need to make sure we give them a good game.”
Dane Paterson is back from injury, while captain Omphile Ramela returns from study leave. Aviwe Mgijima is expected to make his first appearance of the season.
