IT would take something spectacular in two matches for ladder positions to change in the final round of the Sunraysia Cricket Association.
Going into the weekend, there remained a slim finals chance for Coomealla Wentworth, who from fifth position would need to beat Gol Gol.
The Blues also needed Mildura Settlers to beat Mildura East.
Unfortunately for them, Gol Gol continued their electric form with the bat, ending their day at 4/311, led by centuries from Shacaya Thomas (123) and Wade Hancock (102 not out).
Over the past three rounds, Gol Gol has averaged 425.66 runs per innings.
In the match-up between Settlers and East, the cheap dismissal of Jason Morrison sparked trouble for his team, as it has for most of the season.
East’s Jayden Hunt tore through Settlers’ middle and bottom order to finish with 5/33.
In the 58th over, Settlers were all out for 106, bringing East to the crease.
Although they lost import Josh Andrews (28) in the 10th over, East, who closed at 1/54, could be expected to get the job done on Saturday and lock in a finals spot.
For second-placed Nichols Point, who elected to bat against Mildura West, there was steady contribution across the board on their path to 241.
Opener Nick Blacker top-scored with 50, but then watched as his team lost their final six wickets for just 28 runs.
West’s Chris Williams almost singlehandedly led the charge for his side, claiming five wickets and a run out at John Hall Oval.
In the other game, Irymple made a strong start against bottom-placed Merbein.
The home team was at 6/169 at one stage, but a seventh-wicket partnership of 97 between Jarrad Armsden and Jordan Payne played a huge role in getting their team to 7/306 at stumps.
Armsden finished 101 not out off 107 deliveries in his best knock of the season.
Angus Smith and Shane Trinick each claimed two wickets for the visitors.
While places are not yet finalised, it’s highly likely that Gol Gol will meet Mildura East in the first week of finals, while Nichols Point and Irymple will play in the other match.
The grand final is scheduled to take place on March 23.
