Nichols Point 191 v Mildura Settlers
Nichols Point Reserve
FOR 17 rounds, Nichols Point have been in the top four of the Sunraysia Cricket Association (SCA).
But with one day to play in the home-and-away season, there is the real possibility Mildura West could dislodge them.
West are well placed to claim an outright win against Merbein South.
If they do and Nichols Point lose to Mildura Settlers, then West will move into fourth place.
Under the SCA points system, a team who wins outright receives 20 points. They also receive .4 bonus points for every wicket taken and .02 for each run scored.
If Mildura West were to declare on their current score of 6/220 and then bowl Merbein South out for a second time, West would receive 32.4 points which would be enough to move them ahead of Nichols Point on the ladder – if the Pointers lose.
However, if Merbein South can avoid an outright loss – and even if Nichols Point lose, they should still receive enough bonus points to hang on to their current position.
The simplest equation for Nichols Point is to win.
Win and they will finish in the top four and play finals next week.
It is always a much better situation to be in control of your own destiny and while Nichols Point do not have a big total to defend, 191, it will still keep them in the game for a long time.
Chasing runs is always a lot harder than defending.
If Nichols Point can get early wickets and put some pressure on the reigning premiers, then they are not without a chance.
Spinners Shaun Mathews and Kaushik Aphale will be key players if the Pointers are to defend their modest total.
Mathews may have had a lean year with the bat, but his form with the ball at club and representative level recently has been good.
If he and Aphale can work in tandem to keep the scoring to a minimum early, it will apply pressure to Setts who will not want to drop a game heading into the finals.
Whatever the outcome, it is going to be an enthralling battle for much of the day, but with a little bit of luck, Nichols Point might just get the fairytale ending they are hoping for.
Merbein South 119 v Mildura West 6/220
Chaffey Park
MILDURA West are 10 wickets away from an outright win over Merbein South and an unlikely finals appearance next weekend.
Unable to force their way into the top four all season, West are in the box seat to grab fourth position from Nichols Point.
If Nichols Point lose and Mildura West win outright, which looks a likely scenario, then they will play in the semi-final next weekend against Mildura Settlers.
But there is still a possibility they can miss out – even if Nichols Point win and the Saints by some miracle are able to bat out the day to avoid an outright – but while this a possibility, it seems highly improbable.
The first priority for Chris Williams and his side is to make sure they get maximum points, then they can worry about the result of the match between Nichols Point and Mildura Settlers.
Williams’ first job on Saturday will be to decide whether he bats on and builds on their 6/220 or declare and give his bowlers plenty of time to knock over Merbein South.
Although there is the possibility he could go for quick runs, it seems unlikely, with most people expecting a declaration straight away.
It will then be up Luke Hickey and West’s other bowlers.
Hickey claimed four wickets in the first innings and he will be looking to add to this tally when he takes the new ball.
Aaron Feroz, Chris Williams and Brandon Dixon will also provide plenty of support and given the Saints have little to play for, West should get the job done and then hope Setts can defeat the Pointers.
Workers Gol Gol v Irymple 9/265
Alcheringa Oval
WORKERS Gol Gol will be hoping to chase down Irymple’s first innings total of 9/265 to secure a home final.
Although both sides are entrenched in the top four, they still have plenty to play for with the winner hosting next weekend’s semi-final.
Irymple will go into Saturday’s game feeling they hold the upper hand with such a big total to defend.
But if any side in the competition has the ability to chase down a score of this size it is Workers.
Every player in their side is capable of runs, but it is their upper order which will hold the key to winning this game.
Skipper Adam Thomson is enjoying a great year and is coming off a century last round.
He is sure to get plenty of support from Wade Hancock, Shacaya Thomas and Nick Jensen.
Chase Stone will again spearhead Irymple’s attack and he is sure to make scoring difficult with his bounce and pace, particularly with the new ball.
Coomealla Wentworth 134 v Mildura East 4/42
Coomealla
COOMEALLA Wentworth can lift themselves off the bottom of the SCA ladder on Saturday by defeating Mildura East.
The Blues looked in trouble last Saturday when they were bowled out for 134, but they rallied with the ball to have East reeling at 4/42.
Mildura East have struggled all season when chasing down totals and although they need just more than 100 for victory it could prove beyond them with several of their key batsmen back in the pavilion.
The Blues have had a disappointing year, but a win on Saturday would help alleviate some of that.
Liam Freeman will be hoping to pick up from where he left off last weekend by adding to his 2/3.
Freeman is a quality bowler and if he strikes early Mildura East might be in trouble.
East will be hoping Andrew Ross (8 not out) and skipper Josh Berry (18 not out) can build on their partnership.
Both players are capable batsmen and if one of them can get going then Mildura East might have some chance.
