IT many have only taken three weeks of the 2016/17 Northern District Cricket Association A Grade season to occur, but the competition’s top two teams will meet tomorrow.
Reigning premiers, Leitchville/Gunbower will travel to Barham to take on Barham/Koondrook, who will look to build on last weekend’s win against Nondies.
The border side – led by Matthew Thomas with the bat and all-rounder, Shane Guerra – was too strong for Nondies six days ago, moving to 1-1 following an opening round loss to Cohuna United.
If the border side can produce a win, it will be the first time since December 2013 that the team has defeated Leitchville/Gunbower, who remain undefeated so far in season 2016/17.
“We have been lucky to keep our core group of batsmen and bring in some new bowlers,” Barham/Koondrook A Grade captain, Blake Chant said.
“This means we are able to bat out out 45 overs, and the bowlers can work to defend a total with their 45 overs.
“We only had one win last season, so hopefully we can keep on building the good form we have shown so far this season.”
The composite side was too strong for Cohuna United last weekend, with Jason Keath, James Keath and Sam Colvin all damaging with the bat and ball.
If the home side cannot contain this trio, the reigning premiers’ run of wins against their border-based opponents will increase to 10.
In the other match of the weekend, Wandella and Nondies will look to record their first win of the season when last season’s grand finalists and preliminary finalists clash at Riverside Park.
The Bombers struggled against Leitchville/Gunbower in their only match of the season 13 days ago, whilst Nondies went down to Barham/Koondrook last weekend.
The home team will receive a boost, with Brodey Farley – who scored 47 runs in the Bombers’ B Grade win against Nondies last weekend – set to play his first top-grade match this season tomorrow.
Farley’s inclusion will add to the Bombers’ top order strength, with captain, Isaac Hogan just as prolific with the bat.
However, if Nondies captain, Josh Novoselek dominates with the bat – like he did six days ago – this match will be a high-scoring affair.
Past premiers to meet
THE past two NDCA B Grade premiers will meet tomorrow at Cohuna, with the victor to go 2-1 after three rounds.
Defending premiers, Nondies will host 2014/15 title holders, Leitchville/Gunbower in what shapes to be an entertaining encounter.
The home side suffered a surprise loss to Wandella last weekend, with the composite team looking to bounce back after losing to Barham/Koondrook last round.
Across at Kerang, Cohuna United will take to the field for only the second time this season, with the team looking to knock off undefeated competition leaders, Wandella.
United received maximum points last weekend after Kerang Fairley Town had insufficient numbers, whilst the Bombers stunned reigning premiers, Nondies in a rematch of last season’s decider.
In the final match of the round, Barham/Koondrook will look to go 2-1 following last weekend’s win against Leitchville/Gunbower with a victory against Kerang Fairley Town, with this match also occurring at Riverside Park.
The home side lost to Wandella in round one, but could be a danger side if all of its players contribute.
Second round begins
THE second round of the 2016/17 NDCA junior season will begin tomorrow morning.
The match of the round in the under 17s will be at Cohuna, where undefeated sides, Scriptors and Barham/Koondrook will clash.
Reigning premiers, Wandella will travel to Leitchville to take on Leitchville/Gunbower, with Cohuna United taking on Nondies.
In the under 14s, Boort-Yando will play its first match of the season with a home game against Nondies, with Barham/Koondrook hosting Leitchville/Gunbower and Cohuna United taking on Kerang Fairley Town.
