EXTREME heat threatens to cancel tomorrow’s Northern District Cricket Association round 14 action – the third time in the past four weeks.
A full round of matches has not been completed since December 16, with the heat policy enforced on January 6 and last weekend, as well as rain impacting January 13’s games.
If matches do proceed, the game of the round will be at Gunbower where defending A Grade premiers, Leitchville/Gunbower will take on Cohuna United.
Less than four points separates the competition leaders and United, with both teams not taking to the field or recording a result since December.
Leitchville/Gunbower has not taken to the field since the final round of games before the Christmas break, with United last playing out a result on December 9 – the last time the two teams met – thanks to a round 10 bye and the January 13 draw against Nondies.
United has defeated Leitchville/Gunbower on both occasions the teams have met in 2017/18, and a repeat effort tomorrow will see United lead the competition going into the final month of the home and away season thanks to second-placed side, Wandella having the bye.
Meanwhile, Nondies will aim to move closer to the battle for either a second semi-final spot or the chance to host the first semi-final on March 3 with a win against Barham/Koondrook.
Like United, the Cohuna Recreation Reserve tenants last played out a result on December 16, whilst the border side – who trial Nondies by 26 points on the ladder – is still looking for their first win of 2017/18.
Final showdown
A POTENTIAL preliminary final showdown highlights round 14 B Grade action tomorrow.
In the final round of games before teams who receive the bye will benefit from points, the top four teams will all clash in what proves to be a key weekend for defending premiers, Wandella, as well as Barham/Koondrook and Leitchville/Gunbower.
The match of the round will be at Koondrook, where the border side takes on the Bombers.
Less than three points separates the teams on the ladder, with the winner to be second on the ladder tomorrow night.
The Bombers go into the match as favourites thanks to a five-wicket win when the teams last met in round six.
In tomorrow’s other match involving finals-bound sides, Nondies can secure a second semi-final spot with a win at Leitchville.
The competition leaders, who have won seven games this season, remain undefeated after 13 rounds due to four draws, and are strong favourites to defeat Leitchville/Gunbower.
The competition’s southernmost side needs to win to keep pace with Wandella and Barham/Koondrook for the chance to play in the second semi-final on March 3.
Meanwhile, Wandella Warriors will look for a second win of the season when the side hosts Cohuna United tomorrow.
Rain impacted the round six match between the teams, with United to remain fifth on the ladder, no matter the result.
