Bell bemoans Manning Cup pitches

Bell bemoans Manning Cup pitches

Shayne Fairman

STAR Writer

St George's College coach, Neville Bell said he would like to see better surfaces, overall, in the Manning Cup.

STGC have been having a good run of form despite a 2-1 loss to Innswood at Chedwin Park and a 1-1 draw to Ardenne at Ardenne Road.

"I am very disappointed with the surfaces. I know the drought has a lot to do with it, but some of the surfaces been bad from morning," Bell told STAR Sports.

Bell said he fears no team, but rather "respects every team". The many-time Manning Cup champions are hunting their first win since 2012.

"We think everyone comes with something. we respect everyone. we certainly respect everyone," he said.

overconfident

STGC are reigning Walker Cup title holders. Bell maintained they will not be overconfident or complacent, as they seek to win their 23rd title.

"We are a confident bunch, and we think that if we do what we are supposed to do, we will be alright," he reasoned.

Bell added that STGC's crowd support is always good to see, especially at their Winchester Park home ground at North Street, where they have not lost a game in eight seasons.

"I think the fact that we get a good crowd, we attempt to play good football, we move the ball a lot, and I think the crowd likes that, and when we are on we look good. When we are not on, then, like everyone else, we get hurt," he admitted.

"(I'm) very happy with the crowd support. I think it is our style of play. I think people like to see where we play, but we can only do that on a surface like this," Bell said.