A TOP-two clash between Ouyen Rams and Nursery Ridge headlines round 14 of Red Cliffs Cricket Association, while Millewa’s finals ambitions remain alive with five rounds remaining before finals.
Rams had the bye last week but have won eight straight games since their round 1 defeat, making them favourites against Ridge at Blackburn Park.
Their bowling has been led by Daniel Kay (14 wickets) and Daniel Pryse (13), well supported by Travis Parsons, Alex Morrish and Tim Vine (all 10 wickets).
Pryse also leads the Rams for runs with 196 at 49, fifth in the competition, with Parsons (149 at 74.5) and Conor Schultz (122 at 20.33) the next best.
Nursery Ridge remain two games adrift of the reigning premiers, with a loss likely to consign them to second place at the highest which would still see them earn a home final.
That path was made clearer following their 48-run victory over Tempy last week, with Jason Finch and Daniel Nulty providing superb all-round efforts.
Finch top-scored with 42 before following up with 4/19, while Nulty had a game best 5/24 to go with his earlier knock of 38.
Michael Thornton also provided a solid innings, scoring 36 in a 79-run opening partnership with Nulty.
Millewa, meanwhile, kept their finals ambitions alive with a six-wicket win over Robinvale Euston last week, but face a tough three-week run starting with Tempy on the road on Saturday.
The Bullants bowling led the way against the Rangers with Nick Clark taking 4/25 and Troy Muster 3/22 as they dismissed their opponents for 101.
Despite the loss of early wickets, an unbeaten 58-run stand between James Wilson (30 not out) and Jeremy Aworth (29 not out) saw them home in the 25th over.
Tigers skipper Ryan McKay and all-rounder Zak Robertson led the way with the bat against Ridge last week, scoring 54 and 32 respectively, while Daniel Strauss’ hot bowling form continued, his 4/47 giving him 11 A Grade wickets in the past three games.
