Premier Cricket: Carlton has locked away a top-two finish but is confident its best is yet to come
Carlton defeated a Premier Cricket finals contender on Saturday but remains adamant its best cricket is still yet to be played.
North
Don't miss out on the headlines from North . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Carlton captain-coach Evan Gulbis is assured his Blues are yet to play their best cricket.
The Blues edged out Ringwood by three-wickets at Princes Park on Saturday, chasing the Rams’ 226.
Despite locking away another top-two finish, Gulbis said the Blues would draw confidence out not being at their best.
“It’s always fantastic to finish top two, give yourself the best opportunity with a double chance and the home finals,” he said.
“I am pretty pleased with how the boys have created the opportunity for themselves but I am probably more pleased that we haven’t played very good cricket yet.
“We’ve had some nice performances throughout the year at times but they’re more so individual performances.
“The fact we’re still getting wins without playing our best cricket I think is pretty exciting.”
Gulbis has no doubt his side has more to give and says the only question is whether it can be produced over the next four weeks.
“It is still ahead of us, it’s just whether we can play it or not,” he said.
“That’s the message for the group, we know for the last 10 years or so we’ve played some pretty good cricket and not got all the results we wanted.
“The fact we’re in this position and not playing our best cricket is only a positive, we’re doing all the right things and using experience.”
Rising star Jai Lemire made another crucial 76 while leg-spinner Michael Archer took 4-57.
Gulbis said Archer had been “fantastic” in his maiden season with the Blues.
The Blues host Ringwood again in the first weekend of Premier Cricket finals.