TEMPY Tigers’ return to action in the Red Cliffs Cricket Association comes against old rivals Ouyen Rams at Blackburn Park.
Following last week’s bye, the Tigers will aim to reclaim a top-two position but will need to do so against a Rams side who have lost only one game for the year.
Tempy lost their only contest against Ouyen this camapign back in round 2 by six wickets, with their round 7 fixture cancelled due to the heat.
Gun batsman Ryan McKay is currently the second-leading run scorer in the league with 203 at an average of 40.6, trailing only Millewa all-rounder Jeremy Aworth (247 runs).
Nic Monaghan leads the Tigers’ wicket taking with 10 scalps, but they can often rely on different players to stand up each week.
The Rams made it seven wins on the trot over with a 20-run victory against Robinvale Euston last week, with previous Les Thurlow Medal winner Daniel Pryse starring with an unbeaten 63.
Sam Mead (31) and Conor Schulz (28) were solid in sharing a 57-run opening stand, while Tim Vine’s 4/19 and 3/8 from skipper Alex Morrish were enough to restrict the Rangers.
Robinvale Euston will look to get back on the winners’ list when they head to Quandong Park to face Nursery Ridge on the Onion Patch.
Ridge have moved into second place following their six-wicket win over Millewa, reaching the target of 144 with eight overs to spare.
Opener Charlie Shaw top scored with 40 and was well supported with the bat by Daniel Nulty (34) and Joel Finch (24 not out).
Tuan Aben had been rewarded for strong bowling form in B Grade and made the most of his A Grade opportunity, taking 4/27.
Despite their loss the Rangers had some impressive performances, led by Drew Lloyd in his first game for the club.
The all-rounder finished with 5/31 and took two catches in the field before completing a solid game, making 29, behind only Sidney van Vuuren who top scored for the Rangers with 34.
Millewa have the bye this week.
