Cricket is back this Saturday and those in the “A” grade top four are expected to strengthen their grip on finals positions.
However, competition after the Christmas/New Year break always tends to bring some surprises and with six rounds still remaining, anything can happen.
While there are clear favourites heading into round nine, upsets are on the cards.
The luckless Lucknow, who lost three encounters to Lakes Entrance prior to Christmas, faces the arduous task of tackling ladder leader Lindenow South Glenaladale at Hudson-Alvin Oval.
The Magpies have played solidly, however currently sit in eighth position, 14 points outside the top four. Their chances of making a finals push may hinge on this weekend’s result and although the Bulls we be favoured, they showed vulnerability when going down to bottom placed Orbost in round seven.
In a wide open competition, the Magpies may be able to cause an upset to keep their season on track.
Lindenow South Glenaladale has a four-point buffer on Lakes Entrance, the Seagulls currently sitting 10 points clear of third-placed Meerlieu. Despite a strong start to the season and an earlier demolition of Orbost, Lakes will be wary the Blues can cause a boilover when the teams meet at Orbost Recreation Reserve.
Meerlieu takes on Paynesville at the MCG and has shown it is more adept in the one-day format, however the Tussocks also know the Gulls have some batting firepower, namely Nathan Schoultz who scored 184 in their previous encounter.
Meanwhile, reigning premier West Bairnsdale will be aiming to gain some consistency when it tackles Metung Swan Reach. The “A” grade newcomers have impressed, however face a tougher draw in the second half of the season and will need to be at their best against a West side with supreme depth.
Wy Yung is the key playmaker. The Tigers meet St Mary’s Nagle at Nagle and after strengthening their list in the most recent rounds, will consider themselves true finals fancies with a couple more victories under their belts.
The Saints have been underwhelming, however with the likes of Brayden McCarrey and Ricky Tatnell at their disposal, they are capable of almost anything.
The run to finals begins now and it will be intriguing to see who steps up to the plate.
The Bulls and Seagulls may not be too far away from securing a finals spot, however you can’t rule out a late surge from the Magpies, Tigers and even St Mary’s, if everything clicks.
“”B” grade also returns this week with “C” grade back on the park on January 18.
Junior competition will resume on January 31.
Mid-season review pages 34-35.
