Dolphins playing for pride

Dolphins coach Lance Klusener is looking for a reaction from his players when they face the Titans in their final Momentum One-Day Cup encounter.

Durban - Sunfoil Dolphins coach Lance Klusener is looking for a reaction from his players when they face the Unlimited Titans in their final Momentum One-Day Cup encounter of the season at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead on Saturday.

The Durban side suffered an embarrassing exit from the competition on Wednesday when they were crushed by the Warriors in a nine-wicket mauling that also involved them being bowled out for a woeful 110.

“We’re certainly not proud of our performance in that last game, so we need to be better,” the Dolphins coach said.

“We might need to bring in a few new faces to do that.

“As much as we’re disappointed, we need to be proud of the fact that we’re representing the Dolphins and be way better than the other night. So there’s plenty to play for.”

The Dolphins are currently bottom of the standings, but will avoid the wooden spoon should they win their game and either of the Titans or VKB Knights lose both theirs.

For the Pretoria franchise, there is more than just pride at stake, however.

A win in Durban, coupled with another over the bizhub Highveld Lions next Wednesday can put them in with a chance of reaching the play-offs.

But it’s not that simple, according to coach Rob Walter.

“Unfortunately it’s not all in our hands, but we’re to blame for getting into this position,” said Walter.

“It’s pretty simple for us in the sense that we must win two games. But we also need the Lions to slip up against the Knights and then that will open the door for us when we face them in the last game.”

And Walter does not want to jump the gun too quickly.

“The Dolphins are the kind of team that can rock up and produce a bonus point win at any time,” he added.

“They’re unpredictable, but we need to stay focussed on winning this game, before even thinking about Sunday.

African News Agency