Okay it's time for some realism in the Central Districts Stags' one-day campaign and the quest for a magical three consecutive crowns this summer.
The Ford Trophy is the farthest it has been from the Stags' reach five rounds into the domestic competition after they plunged to the bottom of the table in 23-run loss to the Otago Volts in Palmerston North on Saturday.
"There's still a chance we can still make it if we win the next three games there's a high chance you'll finish fourth or above to make the playoffs," said CD skipper William Young but the reality is the batsmen again failed to turn up at Fitzherbert Park after the Volts won the toss and elected to bat.
Young felt the 287 all out in 50 overs, on the foundation of Michael Bracewell's 92, was attainable.
"You back yourself chasing 280-odd on a good wicket with the power and experience we have in our batting line up," he said after CD came up short on 264 runs all out with two balls to spare.