Geelong City skipper Richard Oliver will be looking to celebrate his birthday with victory over visiting Newtown on the second day of the Geelong Cricket Association Division One match tomorrow.
Worcestershire opener Oliver, who is 25 today, will also be aiming for Geelong to bounce back from the mid-week two wicket defeat away to South Barwon in the Geelong Advertiser Cup Division One T20 competition.
He said: "Week seven has been an interesting one, 35 degrees one day, 17 degrees the next all week, but it hasn't got in the way of what has needed to be done.
"Last Saturday we restricted Newtown to 191-7 from their 85 overs on one of the best pitches I have ever seen at Shark Park.
"They are bottom of the table and clearly survival was their main objective for the day, which they duly achieved.
"We stuck to our guns and were fairly happy with our days toil, but they have the runs on the board going into the second day and it's down to us to chase it down."
Oliver, who doubles up as groundsman for Geelong, added: "I may have under done the wicket a little bit this week as overcast conditions are slowing down preparations today!
"But if we can see off the new ball effectively, I'm sure we will be alright."
In the T20 match, Geelong were restricted to 113-7 with opener Oliver making 10 before being the first to be dismissed with 14 on the board.
They were 45-6 at one stage before a late order contribution of 39 not out from M.Worthington.
But South Barwon were made to fight all the way before victory was achieved with four balls to spare.
Oliver said: "On a decent pitch, we made heavy work of it with the bat having lost the toss.
"They started well but we took wickets regularly and despite a few scares, they knocked off the runs in the final over.
"Once again runs were in short supply for The Sharks and also myself unfortunately."
Away from cricket, Oliver and his team-mates will be attending the Ladies Day at Geelong Races on Sunday.
He said: "We have sponsored a race so it will be a good way to finish the Spring racing season."
