IT’S another massive weekend of one day matches in Traralgon and district cricket’s ninth round with the fight for ladder spots heating up.
Dropping games this time of the year will be costly.
THIS is a gigantic clash of heavyweights with the winner likely to firm as premiership favourite.
The Sharks will welcome back Greg Munro to the top of the order following the Australian Country Championships and he takes up an important role with Jordan Gilmore at the top of the card.
These two are pivotal for Ex Students as the middle order has been struggling and Jimmy Pryde needs to find form.
Raiders have been cruising of late and will be keen to assert their authority.
If Brad Knowles can get early wickets it could be all over in a flash, while Dave Embleton and Ross Whelpdale have been bowling well in support.
On the batting side Mick Higgins, Liam Maynard and Chris Stanlake will need big scores.
Sharks to win at home in a thriller.
FACING Gormandale marks a huge game for the Traralgon South lads who need to upset the ladder leader to keep in touch with the top four.
CATS have lost 61 wickets for 807 runs this season which suggests the batting has not clicked.
Ben Julin has scored 166 from seven knocks while Tim Derham is next best with 103 from seven on a card which has to lift.
Bowling has been the strength with Callum Stewart and Steve Morgan both taking 18 wickets at low averages.
The Tigers needed to produce a big effort last game with four players missing and were able to manufacture a win.
With Brad Wadlan and Travis Switzer back this week, joining Kent Hammond, Robert Webber and Al Jenkin, the Tigers could be hard to beat.
GLENGARRY faces a pseudo-elimination final this week as it scrambles to crack into the top four and defend the title.
Frank Marks and Hayden Ross-Schultz are in terrific form and need to make a lot of runs.
Churchill was disappointing last week but back at home will be keen to win.
Nic Duncan, Brendan Mason and Joe Whykes will need to perform.
Expect Glengarry to sneak home with plenty at stake.
CENTRALS has an evenly balanced team and, with Mark Rawson back to his best, will be hard to beat.
Jamie Dewell has been a fantastic pick up, while Jye Eccles continues to impress.
It has been a testing year for Rovers and the young side is toughing it out but unable to get the chocolates.
Fazz Hasan, Greg Bramwell and Anthony Wilkes lead the bowling, but need their batsmen to post a large total.
Centrals should be too strong.
TOONGABBIE looms as potentially Traralgon West’s last dip at winning a game this season.
The Eagles’ last outing was a great effort against the ladder leader and if they can reproduce that form they are a chance, but Tim Fitch will need another big score.
The Rams are on a roll having won their past three games and with a sneaky chance at the top four will not underestimate the West.
The return of star player Tom Shippen is a huge boost and the Rams will win this game.
