Nichols Point v Merbein
Nichols Point Reserve
OUTSIDE of the top four heading into the penultimate round of the home-and-away season, Nichols Point want to make every post a winner in their final two matches.
The journey to reclaim fourth position from Mildura West begins at home this round against bottom side Merbein who will want to finish the campaign on a high.
The Pointers went down to third-placed Mildura East last round, and lost by a solitary run to Irymple the match previous, but prior to those results had won four consecutive matches.
The home side have plenty of stars who can turn the game in their favour like Shaun Mathews, Riley Jobson and Shannon Bowen, while captain-coach Nick Blacker has a century to his name this campaign and co-captain Dean Fulco has provided some strong knocks when required.
Emerging all-rounder Lewis Dichiera can also provide some spark after impressing in his debut Melbourne Country Week campaign with Sunraysia.
For the Magpies, captain Dillon Furze has been superb with the bat in recent weeks and showed plenty of fight at the crease, while Angus Smith has done likewise with both bat and ball.
A win for them would add some extra positivity heading into the final round.
Coomealla Wentworth v Mildura East
George Gordon Oval
HOME side Coomealla Wentworth will need to record two wins, and likely by decent margins to be a chance of playing finals this season.
Their task won’t be easy coming up against Mildura East who are fighting for a potential home semi-final of their own.
While he hasn’t had the biggest numbers for the Blues this season import Musa Ilyas had some strong innings for Sunraysia during Country Week and will hope to bring that to the contest.
They will also hope to welcome back Liam Freeman after the leading wicket-taker missed last round, mostly to support brother Justin Freeman who led the side for wickets and run last round.
East captain Brad Thomas knocked up his second century of the season in the win over Nichols Point last round, while import Liam Naylor’s 66 has him inside the top four run makers for the season.
Vice-captain Nick Dorman has continued his impressive run with the ball, his 5/34 taking him to 24 scalps for the season, equal fourth in the competition alongside Naylor.
Gol Gol v Irymple
Alcheringa Oval
A TOP of the table clash and a potential grand final preview awaits as Gol Gol and Irymple go head-to-head at Alcheringa Oval.
Two of the heavyweights of the competition in recent years are in prime position to host semi-finals, and the winner of this clash will likely take home the minor premiership as well.
Following his epic double century last round, and his third ton of the campaign, Swallows import Scott Steel is clearly the prized wicket as he closes in on 1000 runs for the season.
Mark Thomson and Bryson Lush are also key wickets, Billy Phelan is regaining some touch after a spell out with injury, and Bailey Anderson’s superb bowling has been backed up by some solid batting innings.
If he returns from injury, star Gol Gol all-rounder Shacaya Thomas can have a real influence on the contest with both bat and ball.
Others stood up in his absence last round, however as Sheldon Calarco batted strongly across two innings, Kain Berryman made a second innings half century and spinner Will Lowry took five wickets in just his second first division game for the club.
An outstanding battle awaits.
Mildura Settlers v Mildura West
Mildura Senior College
INTO the top four and determined to keep their place there, Mildura West need to ensure they play at their best over the final few weeks to make that a reality.
That starts with heading to Mildura Senior College to face Mildura Settlers who gave a solid account of themselves against Gol Gol.
West’s outright win over Merbein has them ahead of Nichols Point by just over four points meaning it’s all still to play for over the final two matches.
Jasper Presswell’s huge 11-wicket match takes him to the top of the wicket taking table with 32 scalps for the season, but the form of multiple players has been important.
Consecutive half centuries from Greg Lewis has built his confidence, Tim Watson’s attacking prowess gives the order a different dynamic, and young gun Josh Driscoll is ever improving with the ball.
Setts skipper Luke Stanbrook has been in great batting form, including his huge 149 for Sunraysia in their Country Week Division 3 premiership final, Jason Morrison can change the game with his own bat, and young all-rounder Sam Farmer continues to impress.
