THE Central Gippsland Cricket Association clash of the round will see defending champion Trafalgar tackle a crystallising title challenger in Mirboo North.
With the Tigers the only team to accrue maximum points from the first two rounds, both sides know a victory will put significant distance between themselves and the rest of the pack.
Opening batsman James Blaser was dismissed cheaply for the Ships last round and if Mirboo North can remove him early again they have a good chance of keeping the hosts to a chaseable score.
For Mirboo North their batting looms large as a key strength, with Jesse Giardina impressive on his return to the club and stalwarts Shane Peters and Robert Phoenix always a big chance of runs.
The young Moe team has demonstrated great determination so far but could have its resolve tested by a Morwell side which put Jeeralang-Boolarra to the sword last week.
Rory Hare, Craig Giddens and Riyaz Pathan are capable of big scores and will fancy their chances against a side with less than 100 A grade wickets between them.
The Lions, as always, will look to experienced campaigner and skipper Andrew Philip for inspiration, while Joel Mitchell has done plenty to support the notion that he will be a fixture in the side for the foreseeable future.
The Bombers travel to Peter Siddle Oval after being involved in the two closest CGCA matches in recent memory, and the confidence gained from getting a handy score of points could be invaluable.
Skipper Patrick Spiteri has been fluent and a big knock last week to Aidan Vesty makes him the danger man at the top of the order.
Yallourn North will need to be wary of one of the best bowling attacks in the league, with the raw pace of Tyron Gamage and Chris Johnson complimented by the seam of Brendan Evans and the swing of Jamie Brierley.
Jeeralang-Boolarra has the bye.
