Premier Cricket 2018-19: Prahran captain Jake Hancock full of optimism

Prahran skipper Jake Hancock is confident his team can build momentum through a vital stretch of two-day fixtures as it targets a Premier Cricket finals berth.

Englishman Sam Cook bends his back for Prahran on Saturday. Picture: Stuart Milligan

Prahran skipper Jake Hancock is confident his team can build momentum through a vital stretch of two-day fixtures as it targets a Premier Cricket finals berth.

The True Blues sit in 13th spot on the ladder after Saturday’s one-day loss to Melbourne University at Toorak Park.

There are four two-day matches left in the home-and-away season before finals start, with Prahran to face Geelong, Fitzroy Doncaster, Frankston Peninsula and Melbourne in the remaining rounds.

Prahran captain Jake Hancock adjusts his field. Picture: Stuart Milligan

“We’ve been a bit up and down, but what’s been fantastic is the team and the squad’s work ethic. We’re really driven to be the best that we can be,” Hancock said.

“We’re definitely, in my opinion, still in finals contention.

“Once we start playing some consistent red-ball cricket, I think that’s when we can really prepare ourselves to have a good March and a good April.”

Hancock has enjoyed an impressive return season at Prahran after two years with Tasmania, punching out centuries against Kingston Hawthorn, Northcote and Ringwood.

The True Blues won all three of those matches, underlining the importance of their captain, who has 444 runs at 44.40 to his name.

“I’ve been happy with how I’ve gone,” Hancock said.

“The thing I’ve enjoyed most is that when I’ve scored runs, I’ve been able to help the team get a win. For me, that’s something special.

“We’re building a really solid team I think and looking forward to the rest of the year.”

Vice-captain Adam Bull (522 runs) has also been consistent at the top of the order, while James Billington hammered 107 in his side’s win over Northcote.

Spinners Nathan McNally (18 wickets) and Sam Grimwade (15) have led the way with the ball, but Hancock said the club did not desperately need a strike bowler.

The True Blues have signed Essex paceman Sam Cook for the remainder of the season in a sizeable boost.

Cook snared 4-12 in an outstanding performance against Melbourne Uni on Saturday and has five wickets from his two appearances.

“I think the bowling group’s been fantastic,” Hancock said.

“What we need, especially on a Toorak Park wicket, is just discipline — you don’t necessarily need a spearhead pace bowler per se. You just need a group that are prepared to work really hard.”