Four rounds remain in the Bairnsdale Cricket Association (BCA) with finals spots up for grabs in the coming weeks.
This weekend will see the final round of one-day matches, with the two-day format
in play for the final three rounds.
With only 16 points separating top of the table Meerlieu, and bottom-placed St Mary’s Nagle, one suspects a crucial outright result in the final few rounds might be pivotal in a side squeezing into the finals.
The finals race is wide open with the possibility the premier isn’t even in the top four at present.
The top two sides, Meerlieu and West Bairnsdale, will do battle at the MCG, the winner almost assured of playing finals.
The emerging fourth-placed Lakes Entrance will venture to Tigerland, Wy Yung winner of three of its past four matches, keen to progress within a game of the top four.
Victory for Lakes would see its chances of playing finals in consecutive rise significantly.
Lindenow South Glenaladale currently sits third on the table, but hasn’t tasted victory in the regular competition since November 11.
The Bulls showed last Saturday the wheel might have turned, with victory in the T20 finals.
This week they welcome St Mary’s Nagle.
Touted as the pre-season premiership favourite, the Saints have lost their past three and a promising season is at the crossroads.
This match couldn’t come at a better time for both clubs with the momentum gained from this victory likely to be pivotal in the run home.
Lucknow ventures to Orbost with a win crucial for both sides, who are on equal points, a game outside the top four.
Defeat could see the loser two games outside the top four and having its work cut out.
COUNTRY WEEK TEAM
The BCA has announced its squad for time-honoured Melbourne Country
Week tournament, which celebrated its 100th year anniversary in the previous edition.
Matches will be played from February 12-16, all over the Metropolitan region.
The squad is Ryan Halford (captain), Rohan Blandford, Brodie Anderson, Frank Mostert, Reagan Kyle, Ricky Tatnell, Nicholas Adendorff, Brayden McCarrey, Max Welsh, Luke Endley, Stephen Bertino, Jack Kesteven, Curtley Farley and Thomas Hudson.
The support staff will include, Justin Morgan (team manager), Damian Tubb (bus driver) and Alfie Lindsey (scorer).
ONE DAY FINALS
The BCA one day competition will culminate this Sunday with both “A” and “A” reserve holding 40-over grand finals.
With a full round of matches to be played in both grades on Saturday, the combatants for the finales are yet to be locked in.
In “A” grade Meerlieu or West Bairnsdale will be one of the teams, with the possibility they could playoff, while in “A” reserve, Metung Swan Reach will do battle with Paynesville or Bruthen.
UMPIRES
“A” grade (round 11): Wy Yung v Lakes Entrance (John Hine, Martin Blennerhassett); Lindenow South Glenaladale v St Mary’s Nagle (Ron Smith, Geoff Brew); Orbost v Lucknow (Don Haley); Meerlieu v West Bairnsdale (Chris Websdale, Peter Usher).
“A” reserve (round 12): West Bairnsdale v Metung Swan Reach (Damien Tubb); Paynesville v Bruthen (Stephen Gibbons).
One day finals: “A” grade (Geoff Brew, Anna Quinsey-Munro); “A” reserve (Damien Tubb, Don Haley).
