CRICKET
CGCA
Yallourn North v Trafalgar
TRAFALGAR faces a monumental task in chasing 302 to win against Yallourn North.
The Ships have had more contributors in recent weeks since Aiden George and Chris Robinson found some form with the bat, and will need even more from both to support their captain and talisman Rhys Holdsworth.
Rhain Howarth-Ross has earned a recall to the side after solid performances in second grade, while the inclusions of Klay Butler and James Blaser are huge positives for Trafalgar.
Yallourn North boasts one of the most settled bowling attacks in the league, with the quintet of Lucas Fry, Rowan Kelly, Luke Nelson, Ryan Nelson and Glenn Sheekey available every week and dismissing opponents as a unit.
Mirboo North v Thorpdale
Thorpdale finds itself in a tricky position against a Mirboo North pack hunting an outright win.
At 1/38 chasing 291, the Blues will be content to bat out the entire day against an inconsistent Mirboo North attack, but the spin of Dale Banks looms as a constant threat.
Captain Rob Phoenix can send down spin or pace as required, while Joel Crosbie is the most dangerous of the quicks.
The Blues have secured the services of Latrobe youngster Brad Aitken on a permit for this game and will be hoping he demonstrates why his parent club rates him so highly.
Meanwhile several of their own batsmen have points to prove; Steve Hibbs will be determined after a pair last round, while Kayne O’Connell should be able to take a leaf out of his partner Harvey Poole’s book and place a higher price on his wicket.
Morwell v Moe
MORWELL needs 209 in 90 overs so scoreboard pressure will be minimal against a Lions bowling attack which will not likely intimidate it either.
However, Moe teams often win from unlikely positions and captain Andrew Philip will be quick to remind his charges of this as they look to salvage the match. Jayden Mathison is the Lions’ main hope of a result, while Philip and Aaron Walshe can pick up wickets with canny bowling.
Morwell will not approach its innings defensively, with livewires Blake Mills and Craig Giddens returning to a batting lineup that already includes Mark Cukier, Brendan Brincat, Riyaz Pathan and veteran Robert Fox.
Youngster Glen Bone gets another shot at first grade cricket and could slot in at the top of the order, while Jesse Giardina is a handy runscorer and wicket keeper.
