BARHAM/Koondrook faces the best chance to return to the Northern District Cricket Association A Grade top four tomorrow, with Cohuna United having the bye.
The border side needs to defeat competition leaders, Leitchville/Gunbower tomorrow to reclaim fourth spot before next weekend’s bye and a final round match against Wandella.
It will be a challenge for last season’s semi-finalists, who fell 47 runs short against Nondies last weekend – despite scoring 200 runs off 45 overs.
Leitchville/Gunbower dominated against Cohuna United, recording a nine-wicket win.
The home side will be unstoppable if Kurt Brereton, Adam Decicco, Tyler Jones and Brad Windridge fire for the second consecutive week, but the likes of Blake Chant, Paul Molin and Jack Thomas will have other ideas.
Across at Kerang, Nondies could wrap up second spot on the ladder with a win against third-placed side, Wandella.
Six points separate the teams vying for the double chance, with the Cohuna-based team to finish the season with games against Leitchville/Gunbower and Cohuna United.
The Bombers will take on Cohuna United and Barham/Koondrook in the final two rounds, and can claim the double chance with three straight wins.
Clayton Holmes – who scored 115 runs against Barham/Koondrook last weekend – will unite with Jake Thrum to help Nondies record a 3-1 record against the reigning premiers this season.
However, Wandella – who fell shy of defeating Leitchville/Gunbower two weeks ago – will rely on Isaac Hogan, Peter Moore and Brad Murray to record a second win against Nondies this year.
Semi-final preview?
A POTENTIAL NDCA B Grade second semi-final match-up may have come one month early for Nondies and Wandella.
The competition’s top two teams will meet at Cohuna tomorrow, with Wandella needing to win to stay second on the ladder.
The Bombers hold a seven-point lead over Barham/Koondrook, and the margin will reduce to one point if Wandella loses and Barham/Koondrook defeats Leitchville/Gunbower.
Nondies defeated the border side by five wickets last weekend, with Keegan Ryan leading the way. If Ryan repeats his efforts with the bat and ball, Wandella will be in trouble.
The Bombers – who were too strong for Kerang Fairley Town last weekend – will rely on its experienced contingent of Russell Bott, Nick Whitfield and Matt Wilkinson to remain on track for a second semi-final.
Across at Barham, Leitchville/Gunbower will aim to make the most of the final three weeks of the season with an upset win against Barham/Koondrook.
Last season’s reigning premiers will finish the year in fifth position, but have the capabilities of producing an upset result thanks to Matt Hawken and Yael Fry.
Barham/Koondrook was no match for Nondies last weekend, but the likes of Jacob Barrington, Wes O’Neill and Cody Storm would be aiming to ensure the side rebounds back in contention for a semi-final spot.
The final match of the round will see Cohuna United take on Kerang Fairley Town.
United can now prepare for a finals campaign, and Logan Spittal and Kansas Varker could have a day out against the Kerang side, who have won one match this season.
Ryan Barnes, Paul Goodson and Daniel Higgs will be aiming to help Kerang Fairley Town secure a second win this year.
