CRICKET
TDCA
Imperials will head in to the last two-day game before the Christmas break with fresh legs after enjoying the bye in round five.
Imperials face a down-trodden Rovers side after it managed just 93 in the first innings in a low-scoring loss against Centrals.
Ewan Williams was the best with the bat for Rovers and managed 22 before falling victim to Corey Pollard.
The most recent encounter between the two was in round eight last season and Rovers made 196 before sending Imperials packing for just 74.
Obaid Syed was the catalyst for Rovers in the win and fell just short of a half-century with 49 while Simon Duff chipped in with 44 of his own.
Imperials sit in sixth spot on the TDCA ladder while the winless Rovers trail in 10th.
This weekend’s game begins on Saturday at noon at Catterick Reserve.
Traralgon West v Glengarry
A luckless Traralgon West will look for its first win of the season this weekend when it hosts Glengarry.
West was buried by ladder leader Toongabbie in round five with the game already decided by the close of play on day one after the Eagles managed just 83 in the first innings.
Reece Falla (22) and Tim Fitch (33) showed some fight for West in an otherwise forgettable innings.
The Magpies are on a high after claiming the upset of the round against Churchill at George Cain Oval.
Glengarry was teetering at 6/87 at stumps on day one but regrouped to reach the target of 132 and clinch the win.
Cam Graham and Frank Marks were lethal with ball in hand, with Graham taking three wickets.
When the sides last met in round eight last season Glengarry eclipsed Traralgon West’s first innings effort of 119 in the 27th over with just one wicket down.
Sam Marks top-scored with 49, Franks Marks made 35 and Hayden Ross-Schultz 26.
This weekend’s game will be held at St Paul’s Anglican Grammar School on Saturday from noon.
Centrals v Ex Students
Centrals recorded its first win of the season over Rovers in round five but is faced with a tall order this weekend when it comes up against defending premier Ex Students.
Despite managing a measly 102 on day one, Centrals defended with vigour to send Rovers packing for just 93.
Corey Pollard (5/39) and Marc Fenech (4/27) were destructive for Centrals in defence and single-handedly dismantled Rovers to seal the win.
Ex Students dropped the ball in round five against Raiders to record its first loss of the season but retained second spot on the ladder behind Toongabbie.
Eventual premier Ex Students made light work of Centrals when it hosted the game in round eight last season.
Batting first, Centrals’ Corey Petersen was the only batsman to reach double figures and his knock of 10 was the best of a poor bunch.
Ex Students went on to defend with ease and make 171 on their way to the win.
The game will be held at Apex Park on Saturday from noon.
CATS v Churchill
CATS fell narrowly short of a victory at the weekend, going down to Gormandale in round five.
Shaun Barbour snatched victory from the jaws of defeat for Gormandale with a stunning 6/32 in defence after his side slumped to 8/66 on day one.
Churchill was upset by Glengarry in its round five fixture but remains in the TDCA top four ahead of Gormandale.
When the sides last met in round eight in season 2016/17, Churchill got the better of CATS in a thrilling encounter at George Cain Oval with the CATS coming agonisingly close in the run chase to fall short by five runs.
This weekend’s game will be held at John Black Oval on Saturday from noon.
MTY Raiders v Gormandale
MTY Raiders and Gormandale will go head-to-head in round six this weekend when third plays fifth at Yinnar Recreation Reserve.
Raiders head in to the clash with confidence after it reared as a serious contender in round five with a win over defending premier Ex Students.
Gormandale is also buoyed ahead of the weekend in the wake of its come-from-behind win against CATS after it slumped to 8/66 in the first innings.
Shaun Barbour rescued his side with an unbelievable effort on day two.
Barbour sealed the win in style for the Tigers and finished with 6/32 from 20 overs, including seven maidens.
Last time the sides met in round eight of season 2016/17 Raiders were indomitable and put on 231 in the opener to put the game beyond doubt.
This weekend’s game will be held at Yinnar Reserve on Saturday from noon.
