CRICKET
CGCA
THIS weekend’s round of Central Gippsland Cricket will be played on Sunday to accommodate the Victorian Premier Cricket match at Peter Siddle Oval, Morwell on Saturday.
Mirboo North v Yallourn North
THE major clash of this round’s Energy Australia Cup matches sees the Tigers take on the Bombers, two vastly different teams at this point in the season.
Mirboo North is the reigning premier, but after a loss last round to rival Latrobe needs a win to bounce back to the top.
Captain Rob Phoenix has been bowling well but his low scores with the bat will be of concern.
Meanwhile Yallourn North is a team on the rise under new skipper Patrick Spiteri, with wins against Morwell, Trafalgar and Moe lifting them to the top of the ladder.
With both teams hungry for points, this game has the potential to be the big thriller of the weekend.
Moe v Trafalgar
THE young Lions take on the resurgent Ships, with Andrew Philip’s charges hopeful of exploiting Trafalgar’s perceived weakness on turf wickets.
Aaron Walshe had been important with the ball so far for Moe while the spin attack has been key.
For the Ships, captain Rhys Holdsworth is the main threat but a supporting cast of Chris Robinson, Aiden George and James Blaser is hard to overlook.
Morwell v Newborough Bulldogs
NEWBOROUGH continues its return to the top level against a stuttering Morwell which looked the goods with flashy new signings in pre-season but have so far failed to perform.
David Embleton has been dangerous without building sustained pressure, while Gavin Bailey and Davin Charleston have so far flattered to deceive.
For the Bulldogs the only way is up as they continue to demonstrate grit and tenacity, stubbornly refusing to give away their wickets cheaply.
Royce Colgrave had a fantastic all-round game last week and the young left-armer will be hoping to continue his development.
Thorpdale v Latrobe
THE Blues are bursting with confidence after a maiden Energy Australia Cup victory last round, but face a much sterner test this week against the Sharks.
New boy Fraser Smith is in form after a ton and GCL runs, but is in for an examination from Latrobe’s bowling attack of Mitch Cowell, Brendan Evans and new signing Chris Johnson.
Latrobe has yet to work out its best XI and with Kaushik Aphale still to arrive in the country, plenty of bats need to get among the runs or risk the axe.
