By Kate Withers
LVDCL
A GRADE
Riding high after clinching their second victory of the 2018/19 in an upset over Centrals at the weekend, Traralgon West will head into their Australia Day clash with Jeeralang-Boolarra with the belief they can win again.
The Eagles didn’t set the innings alight but were helped over the line by a Centrals top-order capitulation.
Barring a similar situation this weekend, they will need to do more to pip Jeeralang-Boolarra.
The Panthers made light work of Yallourn North in their round 10 encounter, led by a magnificent 52 from Brett Duncan, and skittled the Bombers for just 63 in the 16th over.
Mark Rawson is another bat the Eagles will have to account for this weekend, but Nilantha Thillekarathne (2/17), Brenton Howe (4/8) and Adam Thow (2/15) all proved they are in excellent touch and up for the challenge.
Jeeralang-Boolarra and Traralgon West will play on Saturday at Yinnar Recreation Reserve from 11.30am.
Centrals v Latrobe
A top-of-the-table clash between second-placed Centrals and first-placed Latrobe this weekend will go a long way to shaping the makeup for the inaugural finals series of the LVDCL’s A grade competition.
The Lions will walk wounded into the Australia Day fixture after being on the receiving end of an upset at the hands of Traralgon West in round 11.
Latrobe strengthened their grip on top spot at the weekend in a dominant display against Trafalgar.
Anthony Bloomfield (49) and Justin Vajler (41) are in ominous form and proving equally worrisome for Centrals with ball in hand are Hayden Kimpton and Mark Lawrence who took 3/12 and 4/25 at the weekend, respectively.
Centrals and Latrobe will play on Saturday at Apex Park from 11.30am.
Trafalgar v Yallourn North
Yallourn North face a tough task this weekend when they take on Trafalgar in round 12 action.
The Bombers were outclassed by Jeeralang-Boolarra at the weekend, managing just 63 in response to 7/110.
Trafalgar were faced with a tough ask of their own and succumbed to ladder leaders Latrobe, thanks largely to a dominant display from duo Hayden Kimpton (3/12) and Mark Lawrence (4/25).
The Yallourn North attack led by imports Luke Sumner and Chris Perry will have Leo Connolly and Rhys Holdsworth to contend with this weekend.
Trafalgar and Yallourn North will play on Saturday at Burrage Reserve from 11.30am.
