Nichols Point v Irymple
Nichols Point Reserve
NICHOLS Point are one of the emerging teams in the Sunraysia Cricket Association (SCA).
A young side on the rise, but still with plenty of question marks hanging over them.
To become a good side, and respected by your opposition, you need consistency.
Sides like Irymple, Mildura Settlers and Workers Gol Gol have earned their reputations by winning.
Consistently beating sides below them and more importantly above them on the ladder.
If Nichols Point are to be spoken about in the same vein, then they need to start winning games against these types of sides.
On Saturday, on their home deck, the Pointers have the chance to take another step forward when they take on second-placed Irymple.
The Swallows are a formidable opponent filled with stars like Dan Coghlan, Jordan Payne and Chase Stone.
But Nichols Point also have a strong line-up with captain Brad Thomas heading the list.
Thomas has been the stand-out batsman of the competition in 2019 and another big performance by him will be needed if the Pointers are to get across the line.
Mildura Settlers v Mildura West
Mildura Senior College
LADDER leaders Mildura Settlers will be looking to consolidate their position at the top of the table when they host Mildura West.
Setts are again emerging as the team to beat as the season heads into the second half.
The reigning premiers have done little wrong and, despite missing a number of their stars, have still found a way to win.
But you expect that from Mildura Settlers, who have dominated SCA cricket over the past few years.
Setts’ ability to continually foster young talent has enabled them to remain at the top of their game.
Players like Paddy Keogh and Brak Zambelli are products of the club’s junior program and over recent years have emerged as key figures in the team.
But it is the experience of Richie Wyld and Mark Cleary which allows these younger players to develop without having to shoulder too much responsibility.
The recruitment of John Pratt has added further depth to Setts’ already powerful line-up.
Mildura West, on the other hand, are still finding their feet and, although they have shown some positive signs this season, they still have some work to do if they are to seriously press for a top-four finish.
Mildura East v Workers Gol Gol
Brian Weightman Oval
MILDURA East came agonisingly close last round to causing a major upset when they fell two runs short in their chase against Irymple.
It was a disappointing end for the young East side who looked to have the game won late on the second day of their round 9 encounter at Henshilwood Oval.
But like all emerging teams, sometimes the disappointment of a loss like last week only serves as incentive to continue to improve.
East are a very young side but they have shown under the leadership of Josh Berry they are not far off the pace despite wins not coming their way.
Saturday’s game against Workers is another test and although the odds will again be stacked against them, East aren’t without a chance.
Charlie Berry is going to be a player of the future and just needs a bit of luck, while Andrew Ross showed plenty of class in scoring 78 last round and will be hoping to deliver more of the same on Saturday on his home deck.
Workers haven’t been the dominant side we saw in the first half of last season when they took all before them.
The talent is still there, it is just a matter of finding a little bit more consistency from their bigger names like Shac Thomas, who dominated with the bat in the opening rounds of 2018-2019.
Merbein South v Coomealla Wentworth
Chaffey Park
MERBEIN South go into this weekend’s match against Coomealla Wentworth without star opening bowler Campbell Griffiths, who will be in Perth playing for an under age Australian side in the national under-19 carnival.
Griffiths starred last round with 6/59 and his absence puts pressure back on veteran Shane Trinick, who is no stranger to shouldering the bulk of the workload with the ball.
But Trinick will need to be at his best if the Saints are to get the points.
The Blues have plenty of talent, despite their performances this year not reflecting this.
Liam and Justin Freeman are talented players, but they will need to be at the top of their games if they are going to get across the line in what should be an entertaining game.
