The Knights face the Eastern Storm in Bloemfontein on Wednesday night and will be looking to put together a complete performance. They have had a lengthy break since their defeat to the KZN Tuskers in Bloemfontein, in a game where they let chances slip through their fingers, such as the two dropped catches in consecutive balls in captain Dane Piedt’s first over.

In the previous outings, the Free State has come agonisingly close to victory, only to be let down by costly lapses at crucial moments, especially in the five-wicket defeats to Western Province and Boland in Cape Town and Paarl.

Ruthven, who scored 73 against the Tuskers, told OFM Sport that a win could turn their season around, with three games left in the competition, but now is the time to make it happen.

“Obviously, it’s not the start we had in mind, but we have three games left, and I think we can really make inroads in those matches,” said Ruthven.

“In three out of the four games, there were moments when the result could have swung our way, but we didn’t take those opportunities.

“I felt we played better cricket in both games in Cape Town, but at the end of the day, we came up short. It’s those key moments in the game that didn’t go our way because we didn’t take our chances.

“Cricket is a game of small margins, and if you don’t take the opportunities that come your way, you’ll find yourself on the wrong side of the result.”

Ruthven added that it’s important for them to keep backing themselves, as there is still a lot to play for.

“We’re looking forward to the next three games. Wednesday is a big one, and if we can get the ball rolling with a win and build some momentum, I think we can take it deep into the competition.

“Three wins, perhaps with one or two bonus points, could change the whole complexion of the tournament.

“We’re obviously not in the best position, but the energy in the camp is good. Everyone is working hard in training; we’re really confident, and we back each other. I believe we have an unbelievable squad with good enough players to make real inroads in this competition if we can start winning those small moments.

“I’d still like to see people coming out to support us. Obviously, we haven’t played the best cricket for them to watch, but I really believe one or two wins could change the whole complexion of the competition.”

Wednesday’s match at the Mangaung Oval gets underway at 18:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs