A HIGHLY anticipated Sunraysia Cricket Association (SCA) top two encounter takes place today at Alcheringa Oval, when Gol Gol host Irymple.
With just one loss between the teams so far, fireworks can be expected when one of the strongest batting line-ups combats one of the deepest bowling units.
Gol Gol star batsman Shacaya Thomas, who leads the competition in runs with 238 including two centuries, said his side is well aware of Irymple’s quality.
“Not taking anything away from the other teams, but I think Irymple and Mildura Settlers are really high quality,” he said.
“Batting-wise, we know (Bryson) Lush is a key factor, and bowling wise, most of their bowlers are quality.”
Lush made 26 for the Swallows in last week’s win over Mildura East, as did Nick Giofre, with Jordan Payne producing his best knock of the season with 43 not out.
Thomas (25) and Wade Hancock (33) helped steer the ship home in Gol Gol’s four-wicket win over Merbein South, following stand-in skipper Luke Hickey’s impressive four-for.
Like many teams, Gol Gol had players missing last week, but Thomas said the depth at the club seemed strong.
“I think the depth of the club is good, it was sad our thirds had to forfeit but it’s always good to see players come up and perform, especially in the ones,” he said.
“The bowlers did well to restrict Merbein, and then to watch Sheldon (Calarco) and Tyson (Adamson) finish off the game for us was great because that’s what you want to see… other players stepping up when needed.
“With people still away on holiday, and COVID-19 isolation faced by some of the players, preparation is not up to that standard we would like but we are making use of short time available to prepare as best as we can. With that said, other teams are probably in the same position as us.
“We have to expect the unexpected, but also focus on what we can control as a team. Winning every game from now on is important to every team as if it’s a final because I would not be surprised if this year the winner might be the team that finish on top.”
Thomas added that Hancock, his batting partner in crime, can also go to another level.
“I don’t think anyone has been hitting the ball as well as Wade from what I’ve seen so far, and he is not in top form yet because we all know what he can do,” he said.
“We’re both in pretty good form but for me I just want to make runs – I don’t really care how I make it, ugly or pretty, runs are runs.”
Irymple captain Mark Thomson had admitted in the past that the two-day games potentially suit his side better, but the bowling options at his disposal are strong, with Dean Fairlie, Luke Collett and Dom Price all among the wickets last week.
Nichols Point v Mildura East
No doubt some confidence has built out at Nichols Point following their opening win of the campaign against reigning champions, Mildura Settlers.
The missing ingredient for the Pointers may have been Dan Chapman, who skittled the top order on the way to 5/16, in what coach Shaun Mathews described as a “vintage spell”.
While they have some handy pace bowlers in Rakii Woetei and Jack Norton, Chapman might bring that extra zing to help knock sides over. Mitchell Lindsey was also impressive on debut with 2/23.
The Pointers will hope to take that form into their contest with Mildura East, who are still looking to consolidate their top order.
Vice-captain Blake Meyers made a season -est 34 at the top of the order and they are bullish about new addition Connor Robinson, while veterans Tom Vadlja and Andrew Ross can usually be counted on for runs.
An interesting clash looms at Nichols Point Reserve, and with only four points separating East in fifth from Coomealla Wentworth in eighth, this could be vital come finals time.
Mildura West v Merbein South
Mildura West want to play finals, and a victory over current fourth place holders Merbein South would go a long way to turning that into a reality.
John Hall Oval is the scene of today’s clash, with the Saints looking to make it two wins in two games against West after claiming victory in the two-day game before Christmas.
No Chris Williams for West last week hurt but if he is back it will be a welcome boost for the home side, who struggled to find runs at the top of the order against Coomealla Wentworth last week.
The addition of Aaron McClelland paid dividends last week as he took 4/29, while Greg Lewis and Locke Thornton each made handy runs.
The Saints would be happy to see recruit Josh Stanley make his club debut last week after a recovering from a knee injury, top scoring with 39 batting at number nine and opening the bowling.
With Tony Trinick and Jarrod Forrester in wicket taking form, it will take a solid batting performance from the home side to win.
Mildura Settlers v Coomealla Wentworth
LAST week’s upset loss at the hands of Nichols Point would still be stinging for Mildura Settlers, and they have their sights set on Coomealla Wentworth today.
The Blues, however, will be up for the fight after their opening win of the campaign over Mildura West, with Liam and Justin Freeman leading the way.
Coach Liam hit an impressive 85 from 86 deliveries, falling just shy of his first century, while Justin ripped through the batting order, taking 5/16.
Coomealla Wentworth has a strong bowling unit and the addition of Jay Turlan, who took three wickets last week, has been a handy one.
Despite the results, Setts would have been happy with the performances of youngsters Liam Goss (41 and 2/33) and Cooper Aldridge (4/12).
The grand final re-match from last season could be an intriguing battle at Mildura Senior College.
