THE two sides that have dominated the Northern District Cricket Association A Grade competition for the past five seasons will meet tomorrow in a blockbuster start to the 2016/17 season.
Leitchville/Gunbower take on Wandella at Gunbower in a rematch of the 2015/16 decider.
The composite side only lost one match last season on its way to a third title since 2012/13, with the club recording five wins against the Bombers.
The visitors have been just as dominant, winning the premiership in 2011/12 and 2014/15.
It will be a tough task for the new-look Bombers to end its run of losses against the composite side, who go into the season without Peter Moore – one of the club’s key players.
Moore scored 363 runs last season at an average of 22.69 and took 37 wickets – the second-best haul in the 2015/16 competition.
“Peter is a big loss for us, as he was one of the better players in the competition,” Wandella captain, Isaac Hogan said.
“We will bank on our good bunch of 15 to 17-year-old players during the year. Most will have a go at playing A Grade, and hopefully a few can step up.
“We’re looking forward to playing against Leitchville/Gunbower this weekend, as you always want to play your best against the best in the competition.”
The home side will also go into the game with a new-look team, with two key players missing.
Opening batsman, Tyler Jones is out for the season following a knee reconstruction, whilst Adam Decicco will spend a portion of the season playing for Fitzroy/Doncaster in the Victorian Premier League.
The absense of Decicco will impact the composite side, after the youngster claimed 50 wickets last season.
“We will be picking a few more of our junior players this season,” team member, Brad Windridge said.
“It is going to be a different season, and we hope all teams go well.”
Tomorrow’s other A Grade match will be just as exciting, with Barham/Koondrook hosting last season’s semi-finalists, Cohuna Untied at Koondrook.
The sides have battled for fourth spot on the ladder during the past two seasons, with each team recording a win – as well as a draw – in their three encounters in 2015/16.
The border side relied on the batting prowess of Paul Molin last year, whilst Daniel Cooke was a key player for United. If both of these players begin the new season well tomorrow, another close match between these sides will be on the cards.
Premiers’ challenge
LAST season’s premiers and preliminary finalists will open the NDCA’s B Grade season tomorrow.
Nondies will host Barham/Koondrook, with the home side looking to begin its title defence in the best way possible.
The Cohuna-based side defeated the border team twice last year, with the pre-Christmas encounter called off due to predicted maximum temperatures exceeding the heat policy limit.
Across at Leitchville, last season’s semi-finalists, Cohuna United will take on Leitchville/Gunbower in what shapes to be a close match.
United won two of its three games against the composite side in 2015/16, with the round 10 encounter also impacted by heat.
The final match of the round will see Riverside Park tenants, Wandella and Kerang Fairley Town battle it out.
The Bombers, who lost to Nondies in last season’s grand final, hold a strong record against Kerang Fairley Town and are favourites to begin the season with a win.
