THE result of tomorrow’s Northern District Cricket Association A Grade encounter between reigning premiers, Leitchville/Gunbower and Nondies could have ramifications on the battle for the finals.
The composite side moved to the top of the ladder after eight rounds last weekend following a 16-run win against Barham/Koondrook, with the result ending the border side’s five-match winning streak.
Nondies – who host tomorrow’s round nine encounter – are two wins behind Leitchville/Gunbower and will aim to snap a two-match losing streak.
Despite sitting third on the ladder, the Cohuna-based team will go into the match knowing it has the squad capable of defeating the competition leaders.
The likes of Harrison Keely, Rhys Thrum and captain, Josh Novoselek have all provided pivotal innings with the bat or spells with the ball, which was evident in the team’s eight-run win against Leitchville/Gunbower back in round four.
However, if Kurt Brereton and James Keath build on last weekend’s efforts, the composite side will go into its extended mid-season break sitting comfortably in the top two.
In tomorrow’s other A Grade match, Wandella can move to third on the ladder if the Bombers defeat Cohuna United and Nondies lose to Leitchville/Gunbower.
The Bombers’ eight-wicket win against Nondies last week was the club’s best result this season, with Isaac Hogan and Matt Wilkinson playing their best games since the club’s 2015/16 campaign.
United, who have lost their past five matches, will need Daniel Clements and Ian Mathers to put in similar performances to their efforts 13 days ago to remain at least one win outside the top four before a key pre-Christmas match against Nondies on December 17.
Derby a highlight
The second of this season’s Northern District Cricket Association B Grade derbies between Cohuna United and Nondies is the highlight of tomorrow’s action, with the result to split the third and fourth-placed sides.
United and Nondies have both won four games this season, and are locked with Barham/Koondrook in a battle for third spot on the ladder.
The winner of tomorrow’s match at the Cohuna Recreation Reserve will move one win clear of the bottom two sides, depending on the result of the border team’s encounter with Wandella.
The Bombers will remain in the top two no matter the result, whilst Barham/Koondrook capable of moving into the top four if it wins.
In the final match of the round, competition leaders, Leitchville/Gunbower will look to add a seventh win to their season 2016/17 campaign with a victory against the winless Kerang Fairley Town.
The match at Riverside Park will be the Kerang-based team’s first hit-out in 13 days after the side forefitted against Barham/Koondrook.
