NOT only do Irymple have a fight on their hands to claw back into their game against Mildura Settlers, they’ll likely have to do it without two of their guns.
The ladder leaders were rolled for just 62 by Mildura Settlers last week before Setts finished the day at 7/130, a result which could put the reigning premiers in prime position to leap into the Sunraysia Cricket Association top four just weeks before finals.
To make matters worse for the Swallows, all-rounder Bryson Lush dislocated his shoulder while fielding, while gun bowler Luke Collett split the webbing on his hand as well.
Earlier, former Australia A bowler Mark Cleary wound back the clock to rip through the top order, taking 4/5 to put Settlers in the drivers seat.
It was arguably the toughest day at the office for Irymple this season, and skipper Mark Thomson said his side will have to show some pride in their performance today.
“It wasn’t an ideal day for us even before the injuries, so we’ll just have to play it by ear this week,” he said.
“Bryson was having scans on his shoulder this week and we’ll have to see how Luke pulls up, too.
“We’ll have to see what Setts decide to do, whether they declare or keep batting for a while but hopefully we can improve.
“Cleary is a class act, especially with his ability to swing it both ways, which isn’t something you see all the time up here.”
Irymple currently sit just in front of Gol Gol for points on the ladder, but with the NSW side holding a significant lead over Mildura West and Coomealla Wentworth pushing for an outright win over Mildura East, the Swallows could potentially drop to third after this round.
“We have to have pride in our own performance,” Thomson said.
“Everyone batting last week was pretty disappointed in how we performed so hopefully we’ll get a chance to rectify that.
“The rest of us bowlers will have to shoulder a bit more of the load to help cover for those boys who got injured.
“We’ve been one of the best sides all year and we don’t want to fall at the final hurdle. We still think we can make the grand final.”
Thomson himself made 24 during Irymple’s innings with Cooper Aldridge (3/13) and Brayden Wood (2/7) helping Cleary with the wickets.
Setts in response are 7/130 on the back of 38 from Luke Stanbrook and 24 each from captain Braidyn Turner and Andrew Petrie. Thomson (3/26) and Billy Phelan (3/25) are the best of the bowlers so far.
Mildura West v Gol Gol
THIRD-placed Mildura West will have to pull off the biggest run chase of the season if they are to roll Gol Gol.
After Shacaya Thomas’ third century of the season, Gol Gol finished on a massive 291 to put themselves in prime position for victory.
The Jamaican star and reigning Innes Medal winner smacked 144 from 203 deliveries in a stellar performance, with Nick Jensen (49) and Jeremy Barnes (37) also making useful contributions.
West’s workhorse spinner Aaron Feroz finished with 7/93 from his 28.4 overs, while also taking three catches including two from his own bowling. Aaron McClelland also took 2/55.
The Englishman has taken 15 wickets in four matches since returning to the region.
Pressure will be on West star Chris Williams to back up his century and half-century across two innings last week, while Luke Hickey, Jensen and Jayden Brooks have all impressed with the ball so far this season.
Mildura East v Coomealla Wentworth
SECURING an outright victory would ensure Coomealla Wentworth return to finals action, and potentially even push for a home semi.
The Blues already have first innings points against Mildura East and will be out to secure extras as the finals approach.
East were all out for 60 with a devastating opening spell from Justin Freeman (4/12) putting the home side on the back foot, before Bevan Wade (2/13) helped clean up the tail. East captain Josh Berry top scored with 19.
Wade made 42 as the Blues reached 5/82, giving them a 22-run lead before sending the home side back in. East will resume at 1/4 with Blake Meyers and nightwatchman Surendra Prajapat at the crease.
Coomealla Wentworth have the bowling depth and fast-scoring batsmen to make it happen, but if the likes of Meyers, Berry and Aaron Cordell can provide enough resistance, East may be able to avoid the outright loss.
Nichols Point v Merbein South
CHASING just their second win of the season, Nichols Point are in a solid position to claim victory over Merbein South.
Point coach Shaun Mathews’ 72 and Brett Cumming’s 23 helped the Pointers to 168, putting them in contention to claim their first win since the start of January.
Saints bowlers Hamim Miah (3/37) and Jarrod Forrester (3/44) were amongst the wickets to take their season tallys to nine and 17 respectively.
Merbein South’s innings has not got off to the ideal start however with them resuming at 4/40 after 22 overs. Pointers paceman Rakii Woetei has taken all four scalps so far.
Miah (eight) and Josh Stanley (seven) will be at the crease when play reumes.
