Mildura Settlers v Coomealla Wentworth
Mildura Senior College 12.30pm
MILDURA Settlers welcome back some big names for today’s round of Twenty20 matches.
The reigning premiers had their colours lowered last weekend by Workers Gol Gol and will be keen to get on the winners’ board when they take on Coomealla Wentworth and Merbein South in the first of the SCA’s double-headers this weekend.
Luke Stanbrook, Jason Morrison, Paddy Keogh and Mark Kerr all come back into the line-up.
Morrison, Stanbrook and Keogh’s hitting power at the start of the innings will provide a much-needed boost to Setts’ batting, while Kerr provides depth to their bowling attack.
Coomealla Wentworth also look a lot stronger with Justin and Liam Freeman returning.
The Freemans are accomplished players with bat and ball, but they will need to be at their best if they are to topple the powerful Setts’ line-up.
Irymple v Mildura East
Henshilwood Oval 12.30pm
DAN Coghlan is a big name in Sunraysia footy, but he’s just as at ease on the cricket field and his return for the Swallows today should help them to their second successive win when they take on Mildura East.
The talented all-rounder provides another option for Jordan Payne who will be looking to get among the runs after missing out in the first round.
Mildura East will again be looking for their talented, young bowling attack to give them a chance in this game.
Jayden Hunt and Charlie Berry are improving players. Hunt is one of the best new-ball bowlers in the competition.
But the Swallows look to have too much depth to let this one slip.
Mildura West v Workers Gol Gol
Aero Oval 12.30pm
WORKERS Gol Gol will be hoping to keep their perfect record intact when they travel to Aero Oval to tackle Mildura West.
Workers showed they will again be a formidable force this season with a comfortable win over Mildura Settlers in the opening round.
The Adam Thomson-led Workers are a very even outfit with plenty of depth in their batting and bowling.
Shac Thomas is always dangerous in the shorter form of the game and his ability to score quick runs at the start of the innings is something Mildura West will need to shut down.
Westies will welcome the return of captain and star all-rounder Chris Williams, who missed the first game.
Williams is one of the most accomplished players in the SCA and is comfortable with the ball or bat in hand.
Brandon Dixon is another who enjoys the shorter form of the game and, if he can get a start with the bat, then he could cause the visitors some problems in what should be a very entertaining game.
Nichols Point v Merbein South
Nichols Point Reserve 12.30pm
NICHOLS Point lost just one wicket in their big win over Coomealla Wentworth in the first round and should keep their winning form going when they host Merbein South.
The Pointers look a formidable outfit this season with their batting definitely a strength.
Shaun Mathews, Brad Thomas and Glen Bridson are all capable of big scores and knowing they have plenty of support are sure to take the bowling on early.
Nichols Point v Workers Gol Gol
Nichols Point Reserve 4pm
FOR the first time in SCA history two games will be played on the one day.
The change of format is sure to test a team’s resolve, but for Nichols Point it will be a chance to match themselves against the best in the competition when they host Workers Gol Gol in their second encounter of the day.
Favourites to win their 12.30pm match against Merbein South, it is their later game against Workers which will test them.
Twenty20 cricket always provides plenty of surprises and you wouldn’t expect this game to be any different.
Workers’ line-up is perfectly adapted to all forms of the game, but they are particularly strong in the shorter form with a lot of all-round talent.
Nick Jensen proved last week against Mildura Settlers the important role slow bowlers play and he will again be a key factor in today’s outcome.
But the Pointers will be no pushovers. They have great batting depth and while their bowling still looks a little vulnerable, they will certainly be in this game if Brad Thomas and Glen Bridson get among the runs.
Irymple v Coomealla Wentworth
Henshilwood Oval 4pm
IRYMPLE will go into their match against Coomealla Wentworth favourites to record their third successive win for the season.
The Swallows know the importance of banking early wins, particularly in a season where there looks to be a number of finals contenders.
Coomealla Wentworth are one of those sides who will be pressing for a finals berth and Jordan Payne and his side will be aware of the importance of getting the points over them today.
Mildura Settlers v Merbein South
Mildura Senior College 4pm
MILDURA Settlers might have lost their first round against Workers Gol Gol, but by the close of play this afternoon they should have two wins on the board.
Setts host Merbein South in their second game of the day and, with key players returning, should have little trouble with the Saints.
Jason Morrison returns after a week off and will be able to blow the cobwebs out in the early match against Coomealla Wentworth and should be primed for a big innings come 4pm.
New recruit John Pratt will be hoping for some time in the middle while Paddy Keogh will also be keen to get among the runs.
Mildura West v Mildura East
Aero Oval 4pm
WITH Chris Williams back in their line-up, Mildura West should get the points against Mildura East.
West look to have a lot more depth than last season with the inclusion of a couple of new faces.
But Mildura East should not be underestimated. They are always competitive, but if they are to get over the line in this one they will need to get Williams early.
