New City captain Sam Grant believes the club can play finals

CAW started in 1858 and no team has ever lost its first seven games to feature in March.

Admittedly, three of those matches are in the separate T20 competition but, nevertheless, if the Phoenix was able to play finals, it would be a remarkable feat.

New City sits just outside the top six, on percentage, with two wins and four losses.

“I don’t see why not (we can’t play finals),” skipper Grant said.

“It’s just going to be maintaining the results and making sure we win the games we should and nick one or two here or there.

“I’m pretty excited, I wouldn’t write us off for finals just yet.

“When I took over I certainly wasn’t as optimistic as I am now.”

The second-year English import is the club’s unofficial coach after Nick McDonald quit a month ago.

“(Indian first-class player) Saurabh (Bandekar) coming in has made a massive difference with the bat and the ball,” Grant said.

“The younger blokes are starting to step up and find their feet in A grade.”

New City snapped its finals drought last year with a stunning start.

Against all expectations, the Phoenix charged out early, largely on the back of aggressive batsman Darren Petersen and English all-rounder Saif Zaib.

Grant was asked if the current team is stronger.

“I think maybe it’s a more talented team, but a less experienced one,” he said.