DOUBLE-CHANCE rights will be on the line tomorrow at Koondrook, with Barham/Koondrook taking on Nondies in what could be a first semi-final preview.
Less than two points separates the third-placed border side and second-placed Wandella with two rounds remaining in the season.
With the Bombers observing the bye this weekend, Barham/Koondrook can move to second spot on the ladder with a win against the Cohuna-based opponents.
Despite having the bye last weekend, Nondies secured a spot in the finals after the border side recorded a five-wicket victory against Cohuna United.
Blake Chant, Shane Guerra and Gary Lolicato led the way for the hosts last weekend, and will be eager to record a fourth consecutive success against Nondies this season.
The Cohuna-based side – who have not won a match since the mid-season break – will look to to captain, Josh Novoselek, Lachie Harbinson and Harrison Keely to snap a four-match losing streak.
In tomorrow’s other A Grade match, Cohuna United will look to round out its season with an upset win against defending premiers, Leitchville/Gunbower.
United’s slim finals hopes ended last weekend at the hands of Barham/Koondrook, whilst Leitchville/Gunbower’s win against Wandella gave the side a confidence boost going into the finals.
The composite side can wrap up the minor premiership and the right to host March 4’s second semi-final tomorrow, with captain, Brad Windridge, Kurt Brereton and Casey McNaught all finding form at the right part of the season.
Daniel Cooke and Ian Mathers will be pivotal to United’s hopes, who will aim to finish its season with a 3-11 record.
Finals two weeks early
THE Northern District Cricket Association’s top four B Grade side will meet in matches tomorrow that will have an impact on the battle for the finals.
The match of the round will be at Cohuna, where defending premiers, Nondies host last season’s grand finalists, Wandella.
Both teams will meet in March 4’s second semi-final, but are battling for the rights to host one of the key matches of the opening day of the 2016/17 finals series.
The Bombers go into the match refreshed after avoiding the heat last weekend following Kerang Fairley Town’s forfeit, with Nondies producing a 36-run win against Barham/Koondrook.
Across at Leitchville, Barham/Koondrook needs to defeat third-placed Leitchville/Gunbower to remain fourth going into the final round of the home and away season.
Both side go into the match on the back of losses, with the border side losing to Nondies last weekend and the composite side going down to Cohuna United.
In the final match of the round, Cohuna United can move to fourth on the ladder if Leitchville/Gunbower wins and the Cohuna-based side defeats sixth-placed Kerang Fairley Town at Riverside Park.
United produced a 16-run upset win against Leitchville/Gunbower last weekend to keep its finals hopes alive, but face a challenge from tomorrow’s hosts, who won when the sides last met in round 12.
