DISMISSING Gol Gol’s formidable top three batsmen early will be vital to Irymple’s chances of taking out the Sunraysia Cricket Association One-Day Cup tomorrow.
Swallows skipper Mark Thomson admits it’s no easy task with Shac Thomas, Aidan Calarco and Wade Hancock all among the top five run scorers this season.
The current ladder leaders come together at Alcheringa Oval for the competition’s 40-over grand final, following the
conclusion of the short-form fixtures last week.
While the one-day fixtures still count towards the overall premiership, a separate premiership play-off is held based purely on the short-form results.
Last week’s fixtures were all called draws due to the extreme heat policy, meaning current ladder leaders Gol Gol won all six of their one-day games played, while Irymple won four and lost two.
Nichols Point, Mildura West and Coomealla Wentworth were all within a game of making the final, with the Pointers especially unlucky after an extra bye, with their early season contest against Merbein washed out.
Thomson knows the form of Gol Gol’s top order on their home deck will be crucial to the result but said his side’s deep bowling unit was capable of breaking through.
“Their top three batters are obviously so strong and in the top five for run scoring in the competition so if we can get them out early that will clearly help us,” he said.
“I think you’ve got to attack.
“It will be a bit of a struggle to keep it economical, especially at Gol Gol which has a flat pitch and a fast outfield.
“It’s been good having the big guy Ryan Muir charging in.
“He’ll actually miss the two-dayer for us as he’s away next week but he’s available for the one-day final, which means he’ll be fresh.”
Thomson himself impressed with an unbeaten 87 from 85 deliveries in the Swallows’ win over Mildura Settlers two weeks ago, while he believes the return from injury of co-coach Bryson Lush, who scored 38 in the same match, gives the batting line-up extra confidence.
“Bryson is a pretty big in for us in the second half of the year and I think having him there just helps the confidence of the rest of the batting order,” he said.
“We’ve got nothing to lose in that aspect, coming up against an undefeated team.
“Either format suits our strong bowling line-up but the shorter format probably works better for our batters, who can go after the bowling a bit more.
“We’re pretty strong. We’ve had quite a few bowlers and middle-order batters go through the side and with both firsts and seconds in the one day final I think it shows how strong we are across both grades.”
The First Division final between Gol Gol and Irymple starts at 11am at Alcheringa Oval tomorrow, while the Swallows host Merbein at Henshilwood Oval at the same time in Second Division.
SCA State of Play – Round 11, Day 1
Two-day games Mildura West v Nichols Point – John Hall Oval
IN what looks like the match of the round, a win for Mildura West at home over Nichols Point will go a long way towards securing a final berth.
Fourth-placed West and fifth-placed Coomealla Wentworth are separated by less than two points on the table and any ground one can gain on the other is beneficial.
West coach Chris Williams remains the danger man after scoring his second consecutive century in the first game back, while the return of English spinner Aaron Feroz looms as a handy addition.
The Pointers are on a five-game winning streak (of completed matches) and are humming nicely, exemplified by by brothers Shaun Mathews and Leigh Thomson-Mathews sharing an unbroken stand to chase down East’s 128 in their last contest.
Gol Gol v Mildura Settlers – Alcheringa Oval
It’s top versus bottom of the ladder at Carramar Drive as Gol Gol look to consolidate top spot even further.
They will have an eye to Sunday when they face Irymple in the SCA one-day grand final, but Mildura Settlers await before then.
Gol Gol’s big guns are firing with Shac Thomas, Wade Hancock, Aidan Calarco and Luke Hickey all in fine form.
It was a rough day for Setts going down by nine wickets to Irymple two weeks ago, but an impressive 54 from Joel Perry was a highlight
Coomealla Wentworth v Mildura East – George Gordon Oval
HAVING been overtaken by Mildura West for fourth spot on the ladder, Coomealla Wentworth will look to take that place back against Mildura East.
The Blues gave a good account of themselves against ladder leaders Gol Gol with Nafis Shaikh, Luke Cullinan and Colby Wade all making handy contributions.
East were handed a 10-wicket loss by Nichols Point in their last match, but would have been happy to see Brad Thomas reach another half century.
The bowling unit were unable to make a dent against the Pointers but the two-day format might give them a greater opportunity.
Merbein v Irymple – Chaffey Park
MERBEIN need some wins to ensure they stay with the pack, and they’ll look to start that charge at home against Irymple.
The Magpies fell 95 runs short of Mildura West two weeks ago, however all-rounder Tony Trinick had a day out scoring 55 and taking 3/32.
The Swallows will have an eye to Sunday’s one-day decider against Gol Gol but will still be aiming to keep their Saturday winning streak alive.
Leading wicket taker Ryan Muir will be missing, but with the likes of Mark Thomson, Billy Phelan, Bailey Anderson and Chase Stone bowling they should still have the depth.
