Centrals stuck in the middle of the pack

There’s plenty to play for in this weekend’s round of Traralgon and District cricket, with just three points separating third-placed Imperials from eighth-placed CATS.

This week’s match of the round is between Centrals and Rovers as they battle for a top six position.

Rovers are a team on the rise and are playing an exciting brand of cricket inspired by a young group.

Last week’s win against MTY Raiders was a momentous game for the developing team.

They now need to be back it up against a Centrals outfit that looked a bit lethargic coming off the bye into a comprehensive defeat at the hands of the Devils.

The Centrals bowlers struggled to make breakthroughs against Imperials and need to improve against a Rovers team that is full of confidence and bats deep.

Watch for Rovers’ young batsmen to shift up a gear and post big individual scores to help record a win and blow the lid off Duncan Cameron Park.

Glengarry v Churchill

Glengarry’s match against Churchill will have a big impact on the ladder as both clubs look to be in the mix come finals time.

Andrew Shepherd has made an instant impact for Churchill, making more than 230 runs this season already.

With his consistent scores at the top of the order it allows the dangerous John Keighran to play at his damaging best in the middle, making the Cobras a scary team to bowl at.

Glengarry will be happy all three Marks brothers got starts last round but they need to convert to defeat Churchill.

Both bowling attacks are pretty similar, so this game will be won with the bat.

In a close game Glengarry should win with the home ground advantage.

CATS v Gormandale

CATS take on Gormandale for the second time this year after playing a catch up game a few weeks ago.

It was close then and will be again as both batting line ups are not in the greatest touch at the moment, so scores of 120 will keep both teams in the game.

CATS skipper Dan Nichols will be screaming out for one of his top order to convert a start into a big score and if it happens his team will win the game easily.

Watch for Shaun Barbour to bowl with venom and take a bag against a club he has a fantastic record against. CATS to win.

MTY Raiders vEx Students

MTY Raiders host Ex Students in an interesting match-up as Raiders tend to lift against quality opposition.

In a welcome sign for Yinnar, Brad Knowles was bowling again last round and he will need to be in the wickets for his team to have a shot against the Sharks.

Every player at Ex Students is performing their role at the moment, making captain Lee Stockdale’s job easy.

Students will win this in a close contest.

Watch for Jimmy Pryde to bounce back after a rare duck last week.

Toongabbie v Traralgon West

First plays last when Toongabbie meets Traralgon West in this round’s final game.

The Rams juggernaut will continue to roll on here as all of Toongabbie’s cricketers will look to fill their boots against a struggling West outfit.

The biggest worry for Traralgon West is a lack of runs from the batsmen.

If Tim Fitch lifts Toongabbie might feel some pressure but with all the talent in the Rams’ ranks it will still win this game easily.