Given the season of competitive cricket the Bairnsdale Cricket Association has thrown up throughout the past five months, it’s fitting the spots for the finals will be decided on the final day of the home and away season.
With plenty at stake last Saturday, Meerlieu was the biggest winner, banking first innings points by stumps to ensure a finals berth despite going into the round in fifth place.
There are still numerous other possibilities for who will occupy the remaining three spots, with Lakes Entrance looking to be the side under the most pressure.
The Seagulls only have 50 runs to play with in their encounter with West Bairnsdale at the Bairnsdale City Oval, West still with six wickets in hand, but things can change very quickly at that venue.
If the Seagulls were to get over the line, the pressure will quickly turn to Lindenow South Glenaladale’s run chase against Orbost, with most observers of the opinion that St Mary’s Nagle’s gun bowling attack should be able to prevent an unlikely Lucknow win.
If West can beat Lakes, the only possible way the Seagulls can remain inside the top four is a reverse outright result or a Lucknow win.
Given the stakes are high in the final round, we can expect an outstanding final series, with anyone of the top five sides capable of winning the premiership on its day.
IMAGE: St Mary’s Nagle captain Ricky Tatnell raises his bat after making an important half century during day one of his side’s final Bairnsdale Cricket Association home and away round clash against Lucknow at Hudson-Alvin Oval last Saturday. Tatnell’s 57 led the Saints to 9/227 as they look to sew up a finals spot this weekend. (PS)