Irymple v Mildura East
Henshilwood Oval
THE first installment of the grand final rematch ensured Mildura East got a huge win to end 2024, but now reigning premiers Irymple are keen to get one back on home soil.
Both sides continue to occupy the top two positions on the ladder, courtesy of strong innings victories, but it’s tight within the top four and home ground advantages come finals will be important.
For the home side import Scott Steel nearly saw the Swallows home with an unbeaten 140 and look out if he gets in to bat early in the short form contest.
Bailey Anderson continues to deliver consistent quality with the ball, taking five wickets in the most recent contest and sitting second in the competition tally with 20.
East’s opening pairing of Josh Andrews and Liam Naylor have been superb for East, with the Scotsman Naylor also being their leading wicket taker with 14 scalps.
Skipper Brad Thomas also made an outstanding century during their last meeting and can always be counted on for runs.
It’s a cracking game coming into the new calendar year.
Merbein v Coomealla Wentworth
Kenny Park
With two losses by an innings to their name in the past three matches, Merbein will no doubt be hoping for a change in fortunes in the upcoming shorter format contests.
It starts with hosting Coomealla Wentworth this weekend, the Blues earning victory by an innings and 23 runs over the Magpies before the break to put themselves right in the chase for the top four.
The New South Wales side were in danger of falling behind and still sit more than two games outside the finals places, but that big win puts them back in the frame with six matches remaining.
Merbein have focussed on giving opportunities to their younger players and they have been the most impressive so far, with Kurtis Fitzpatrick leading their run scoring, Angus Smith on top in the wickets and Dillon Furze second in both categories.
Liam Freeman’s 10-wicket haul certainly led the way for Coomealla Wentworth in the win before the break, while Bevan Wade has made plenty of starts with the bat and Justin Freeman’s credentials as an all-rounder have been solidified.
This shapes to be an important game in the context of the season.
Nichols Point v Mildura Settlers
Nichols Point Reserve
SHORT formats have been kind to Nichols Point after they won three of their four at the start of the season including victories over Mildura East and Gol Gol.
If they can record wins over Mildura Settlers and Merbein in the next two weeks, they could prove hard to dislodge from the top four in the run home to finals, which should be incentive enough.
In their most recent contest, a win over Setts before Christmas, gun all-rounder Shannon Bowen brought up his first century of the season, Shaun Mathews added a half century while Riley Jobson continued his upward trajectory with 40 and three wickets.
Captain-coach Nick Blacker should also return to the side after missing the last round having scored a century in the previous contest against Coomealla Wentworth.
Setts were by no means disgraced in their last match, going down by 46 runs, with Jason Morrison scoring 85 and youngster Sam Farmer making an impressive 51 not out from number eight.
Vick Singh has also been in some solid form with ball and bat.
An upset win could give Setts some confidence but expect the home side to go in favourites.
Mildura West v Gol Gol
John Hall Oval
THIS game marks one of real importance for Mildura West as they look to maintain pace with the top four sides, while Gol Gol will look to push into the top two.
In the home side’s favour is that four of their remaining six matches come against sides in the bottom four, which may give them some confidence for a strong run home.
Captain-coach Chris Williams should be back on deck after heading back to England for Christmas, and the team’s leading run scorers will be vital over the coming weeks.
English all-rounder Jasper Presswell has impressed with 14 wickets over the first eight matches and has come up with some important runs late in the innings.
For Gol Gol Innes Medal winner Shacaya Thomas has been outstanding again as the leading wicket taker with 25 scalps and second highest run scorer.
Wade Hancock and captain-coach Adam Thomson also both have centuries to their name so far, while Than Rajapakse has impressed with his spin bowling.
