A FIVE-wicket haul by Shaun Mathews has almost assured Nichols Point of a top-four finish.
Mathews finished with 5/9 off 13.5 overs as Mildura West collapsed to be all out for 70, 63 short of Nichols Points’ modest first innings total of 133.
The win has put the Pointers two games and percentage clear in fourth position with one round remaining in the home-and-away season.
Mildura West must now defeat Merbein South outright in the final round and hope Nichols Point lose to top side Mildura Settlers, but even then bonus points should be enough for the Pointers to retain fourth position and their first finals appearance since rejoining the SCA First Division in 2015- 2016.
Resuming at 2/15, Mildura West looked poised to claim first innings points but they added 55 runs with opener Ben Hallam (31), the only batsman to show any resistance.
It was one of West’s worst performances for the season, but nothing can be taken away from Nichols Point who have had to absorb a lot of pressure in recent weeks as expectations mounted on them.
It was fitting Mathews was the player who stood up when it was needed.
Recruited to the club in the off-season as coach, the classy all-rounder has struggled by his standards, but Saturday belonged to him as he ripped through West’s batting lineup.
Dean Fulco provided plenty of support, chipping in with three wickets to finish with 3/25.
Fulco backed up his performance with the ball to finish the day unbeaten on 63 as Nichols Point scored 3/137 in their second innings.
Irymple 6/288 dec d Merbein South 99
Henshilwood Reserve
IRYMPLE continued their charge towards this year’s finals series with a big win over Merbein South at Henshilwood Oval. The Swallows were well led by paceman Chase Stone, who finished the match with 4/27. Stone has been impressive in recent weeks and will be critical to Irymple’s premiership hopes. Robert Roelofs (23) and Shane Trinick (27) top scored for Merbein South. Irymple travel to Alcheringa Oval this weekend to play Workers Gol Gol to decide who will host their semi-final. Little has separated the two sides in previous encounters this season across all formats of the game and this match should be no different as tension builds in the countdown to this year’s finals series.
Mildura Settlers 254 d Mildura East 66, 2/104
Brian Weightman Oval
LADDER leaders Mildura Settlers flexed their muscles against Mildura East, dismissing the home side for 66 in their first innings. Veteran Mark Kerr claimed 3/13, but it was Richie Wyld who was the main destroyer – claiming 5/30. Wyld is enjoying another great year heading into the twilight of his career. Saturday’s win will almost certainly see the reigning premiers finish the season on top of the ladder. In an interesting twist, their opponents in the first week of the finals look likely to be Nichols Point, who they will host this weekend in the final home-and-away match of the season.
Workers Gol Gol 8/276, 2/52 d Coomealla Wentworth 104
Alcheringa Oval
WORKERS Gol Gol proved too strong for bottom of the ladder Coomealla Wentworth, restricting the home side to 104, 176 short of their target. It was another impressive display by last year’s runners-up who have continued to impress in the second half of the season. Muhammad Haidry (5/29) and Nick Jensen 4/32 were the main destroyers. Darby McLean was the Blues best batsman finishing with 31 off 60 deliveries
