Kate Withers
CRICKET
LVDCL
PREMIER A GRADE
CATS face a tough task when they come up against an in-form Yinnar side as the LVDCL returns to two-day play this weekend.
Raiders were impressive in their round 13 upset win over ladder leaders Churchill on Saturday and weren’t overawed by the Cobras’ 9/209, reaching the target after 44 overs.
Michael Higgins, Chris Stanlake and Liam Maynard all sit inside the top 10 on the league batting aggregate table and are capable of batting time for Yinnar in the longer format.
CATS have been missing a leading bat outside Tinashe Panyangara and were skittled for just 58 by Morwell at the weekend, although Rory Hare, Ben Julin and Aamir Raza have been handy in patches.
Hare has also led the charge with ball in hand and sits third on the bowling aggregate board with 17 wickets and will need to be at his best to see off the Raiders top order quickly this weekend.
CATS and MTY Raiders play on Saturday at Traralgon South Recreation Reserve from 11.30am.
Mirboo North v Morwell
Defending CGCA premiers Morwell will look to carry their round 13 form into this weekend as they travel to take on Mirboo North.
Morwell were at their indomitable best against CATS at the weekend and dismissed the hosts for just 58 before going on to reach the target in just 14 overs.
They weren’t required to bat for long enough for any players to make big scores but with Mark Cukier, Lewis Harper and Blake Mills up their sleeve Morwell can rest easy knowing they have proven performers when it comes to the longer format.
The sides haven’t met since round five when Shane Peters steered Mirboo North to 181 before Morwell reached the target in the 45th over with four wickets in hand.
Mirboo North and Morwell will play on Saturday at Mirboo North Recreation Reserve from 11.30am.
Churchill v Moe
Ladder leaders Churchill will look to bounce back after a shock loss to MTY Raiders in round 13 when they reset and face Moe this weekend.
The Cobras appeared in the box seat after posting 9/209 from their 50 overs but were overrun after 44 overs.
John Keighran scored 74 in his side’s loss and continues to rear as the most dangerous in the Churchill line up along with Brendan Mason.
Moe’s better performances this season have invariably come when skipper Andrew Philip scores, but input from the likes of Pat Spiteri and Noah Kane is crucial if they are to push Churchill this weekend.
Churchill and Moe will play on Saturday at George Cain Oval from 11.30am.
