Workers Gol Gol v Mildura West
Alcheringa Oval
MILDURA West announced themselves as finals contenders with a surprise win over Irymple in round 8.
It was West’s best performance for some time and has instilled an air of confidence into their line-up.
The return of all-rounder Brandon Dixon will also improve their chances of claiming a second big scalp in as many rounds when they travel to Alcheringa to take on third-placed Workers Gol Gol.
Workers have struggled a little for consistency this season and are certainly far from as dominant as they were in the opening rounds of last season when they went into the Christmas break undefeated.
After eight rounds they have a five wins and three losses and while they are still well placed, they will be wanting to add a couple more victories before the recess over the festive season.
Wade Hancock has been in great touch for the home side, averaging a touch more than 50 and he again looks a key player, but the toss of the coin could play a major role in this game and also create some headaches for skipper Adam Thomson.
Hancock is not available this weekend, but will be the following Saturday.
It is the same situation with talented all-rounder Nick Jensen, who is available on Saturday but not next week.
Jensen has the advantage of being able to bat and bowl, while Hancock is purely a batsman, which might mean Thomson opts to bowl, allowing Hancock to bat the following Saturday.
But while this will be a tough decision for Workers, it also will mean Mildura West captain Chris Williams will need to think on his feet if he wins the toss.
The decision for Williams is does he bat first knowing Workers will have Hancock the following weekend or bowl and chase a total which is generally not ideal?
The tactics of this match are sure to provide plenty of intrigue and entertainment in what will be the match of the round.
Merbein South v Nichols Point
Chaffey Park
FINALLY, after eight rounds and two 40-over matches and six Twenty20 games, the Sunraysia Cricket Association (SCA) First Division competition returns to its traditional two-day format.
It’s been a long wait, but finally the longer version of the game is back.
For the cricket traditionalists, it’s well overdue and while the white-ball version of the game provides plenty of entertainment, there is still something about 80-over matches which captures the imagination.
Nichols Point is one side whose list looks much better suited to the two-day format and on Saturday – against Merbein South – they get the opportunity to prove it.
The Pointers welcome back two of their stars for the important clash against the Saints.
Shaun Mathews and Kaushik Aphale return after missing the last round and their ability with bat and ball will add more depth to the side.
But the key to this match is Nichols Point captain Brad Thomas.
Thomas has been one of the standout performers in the opening rounds and he is a player whose game is perfectly designed for two-day cricket.
A patient player, Thomas puts great value on his wicket, and with the support of Glen Bridson, Mathews, Aphale and improving youngster Tyson Giles, Merbein South will need to be at their best if they are to get the points.
They found form last weekend against Mildura East with two of their veterans, skipper Ethan Gray and opening bowler Shane Trinick, leading the way.
Gray has been in great form with the bat, scoring the the first century of the season in Division One last weekend, while Trinick is always a dangerous proposition with ball in hand.
Irymple v Mildura East
Henshilwood Oval
AFTER last week’s surprise loss to Mildura West, Irymple will be looking to return to the winners’ list when they host bottom side Mildura East.
The Swallows are a class outfit and, with quality players like Chase Stone, Dan Coghlan and Jordan Payne, should have too much class for the young East side.
Coomealla Wentworth v Mildura Settlers
McLeod Oval
MILDURA Settlers welcome back Mark Cleary and big-hitting Jason Morrison for their clash with Coomealla Wentworth.
The reigning premiers are rolling along nicely after eight rounds, sitting at the head of the SCA table with six wins.
But Coomealla Wentworth should not be under-estimated.
At the back of Setts’ mind will be Coomie’s upset win over them last season and, although the Blues have struggled for consistency this year, they still have plenty of match-winners in their line-up.
Tom Douglas is a classy upper-order batsman, while Justin and Liam Freeman are great competitors.
But with Morrison and Cleary back in their line-up, Setts should have the edge.
