JUST one round remains after this weekend in the Sunraysia Cricket Association, meaning wins are worth their weight in gold, especially for two teams battling it out in Wentworth.
To keep their hopes alive, Coomealla Wentworth will need to chase down Irymple’s 241.
Currently with an average of 151.5 runs scored per game, that target would hand them their best win of the season, while for the visitors, defending their total would secure a finals berth.
Coomealla Wentworth coach Colby Wade said the task this weekend was straightforward.
“We need to make more runs than them, it’s as simple as that,” he said.
“I think we can beat anyone as long as we perform the way I know we can.”
Wade said the McLeod Oval wicket was perfect for batting last week, proven by the 174-run partnership between Irymple captain Mark Thomson (113) and David Filippi (63 not out), who collectively faced just under 53 overs.
“The pitch was really nice and it was certainly tough work trying to get those two out,” he said.
“Hopefully we can match that effort in some way.”
Towards the end of the day’s play last weekend, Coomealla Wentworth were sent in and survived four overs before stumps was called.
“It would have been nice to knock off 20 runs but finishing the day none down is obviously ideal,” Wade said.
Meanwhile, Irymple’s bowlers have conceded the least runs of any team in the Sunraysia Cricket Association and will be hoping to continue that trend.
“It was a nice batting wicket and a slow outfield, which meant a fair bit of running was involved for us last week … pretty nice for batting overall,” Thomson said.
“I’m confident we can generate our chances and take the wickets.
“We’ve been a pretty strong, very consistent bowling line-up … we just need to bowl a good length and take our chances when they come.
“It’s a very important game for both of us that can swing fourth position either way so obviously they’ll be up for the fight, too.”
Coomealla Wentworth openers Liam Freeman and Bevan Wade will resume their partnership on Saturday.
Play continues from 1pm at McLeod Oval.
