Merbein South v Mildura Settlers
Chaffey Park
MERBEIN South will be full of confidence heading into their round 11 match against ladder leaders Mildura Settlers after last week’s good win over Coomealla Wentworth.
The Saints have shown some promising signs in recent weeks, but Setts are a daunting prospect having just collected outright points against Mildura West in round 10.
The reigning premiers are brimming with talent and although they are yet to field their strongest side, they have been the most consistent team in the competition.
Setts’ evenness is what makes them such a good side and has done so for many years.
They can lose two or even three big names from their line-up, yet still find a way to win with the players they bring in.
It is often the lesser names who deliver when they most need it.
Brak Zambelli has been providing good service with the ball while veterans Richie Wyld and Mark Kerr are again enjoying fine seasons.
Braidyn Turner is another who is in good touch.
The Saints will be hoping Cameron Grimwood can produce another performance like he did last round with the ball when he claimed five wickets, while Shane Trinick and Mark White will need to get among the runs if the Saints are to have any chance.
Mildura East v Mildura West
Brian Weightman Oval
Mildura West need a win against Mildura East if they are to keep in touch with the top four.
Wests were totally outplayed last round by Mildura Settlers and will need to produce a much better effort if they are to get the points against the young East side.
Mildura East are also coming off a loss, thrashed by Workers Gol Gol last round, but they have enough talent to feel they can upset Mildura West.
West will again look to Brandon Dixon, Ben Hallam and Chris Williams to get the job done for them while Mildura East will need big efforts from Jayden Hunt, Charlie Berry and Jhy Berry if they are to get across the line.
Irymple v Coomealla Wentworth
Henshilwood Oval
IRYMPLE are brimming with confidence after their big win last round over Nichols Point and will be hoping their winning form continues when they host Coomealla Wentworth at Henshilwood Oval.
The Swallows surprised many when they decided to bat on against the Pointers last round after putting themselves in a position to claim outright points.
But while some might question the tactics, the batting practice may prove invaluable with a number of Irymple’s lesser names getting an opportunity to spend time in the middle.
With Saturday’s round returning to a one-day format it certainly evens things up and with a strong bowling attack, Coomealla Wentworth are probably more suited to the shorter format than the long one.
Irymple skipper Jordan Payne will be aware of this and will know the importance of not taking anything for granted despite the teams’ ladder positions.
Justin and Liam Freeman are accomplished players and if they can deliver, then the Blues are sure to be able to give themselves a chance in this game.
But Irymple are moving along nicely at the completion of 10 rounds and sitting comfortably in second position with eight wins and would feel they can make that nine on Saturday.
Workers Gol Gol v Nichols Point
Alcheringa Oval
NICHOLS Point have been one of the most talked about sides in SCA cricket this season.
A successful recruiting drive over the off-season landed some big names at the club and thrust the Pointers into the spotlight.
With players of the calibre of Brad Thomas and Shaun Mathews being lured across from Mildura East, expectations were understandably high.
But after last weekend’s drubbing at the hands of Irymple, questions have been asked about how far Nichols Point have come.
On Saturday, at Alcheringa Oval, the Pointers have the chance to silence the doubters by bouncing back against third-placed Workers Gol Gol.
Workers Gol Gol are a side many believe are yet to deliver their best.
Grand finalists last season, they have rarely had a game where all of their big guns have fired on the same day.
Nichols Point will be hoping Saturday isn’t that day, although the Pointers have also struggled for consistency.
Brad Thomas has been the only player who has delivered most weeks, but if Shaun Mathews, Glen Bridson and Kaushik Aphale can find some touch then this will be a great contest.
Wade Hancock’s form with the bat has been outstanding for Workers and if Shac Thomas can recapture some of the form he showed in the early rounds last season, then Workers will be difficult to contain.
