WITH only two games remaining in the season before the semi-finals, all teams in the first grade Macleay Valley cricket competition will be vying for maximum points tomorrow to assure a start in the semi-finals.
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Macleay Valley Cricket Association president Matthew Brennan said all games revert back to two day format tomorrow with outright victories gaining precious 14 points at the business end of the season.
“On paper after 11 rounds of cricket all teams are still alive, however, the pressure will be on for South West Rocks tomorrow to defeat Nulla in their game at the turf pitch at South Kempsey oval,” Brennan said.
“South West Rocks are currently sitting on 32 points and a loss in this match will make it a very difficult task for the coastal team to make the semis. If they win their remaining two games they will eliminate another team depending on results.”
South West Rocks take on Nulla tomorrow who were surprisingly beaten last week by Kempsey Heights.
“Nulla looked at home until the middle order of the Heights fired and won the match with three balls remaining in the day,” Brennan said.
“With Nulla having the bye next week, they too have plenty to play for. There are no points for the bye so they will be looking for an outright victory to cement a top two position and earn themselves two bites at the cherry come the semis.
“Nulla’s bowlers will need take early wickets and they will look towards Dan Morrision and Sam Lewthwaite to complete the baulk of the bowling, while Ben Taylors leg spin will come in handy on the superb turf at South.
“With the bat, skipper Brody Clarke has found some form and they will rely heavily on him and Dan Baker.”
South West Rocks struggled last week against the Rovers with only eight players and for the side to have a chance at the semi-final they’ll need to field 11 players and dig deep with the bat.
“Youngster Ben Pierce made a solid first grade debut last Saturday and will learn from that experience,” Brennan said.
“Experienced player Mark Smee will look to occupy the crease for as many overs as possible to get a solid platform to accumulate a winning score.
“The team have plenty to play for; however, Nulla should have enough strength and experience to get across the line.”
The other first grade match between the United All Blacks and Heights, at Athletics Oval, is equally important, with both teams equal third and fourth on 41 points. An outright victory by either team will secure a spot in the semis. “Phil Dowling has been on fire lately and depending on work commitments, if he is available, the Heights will be very hard to beat,” Brennan said.
“The side was also boosted by the return of Ben Paix who strengthened up their middle order and his experience with the ball will be a handy asset for the Heights.
“In saying that, the United All Blacks are on a huge roll winning their past five starts and they will be fresh from the bye last week, relaxing out of the heat.
“They will look for bowlers Aaron Smith and Ryan Smith to bowl tight, line and length and frustrate the Heights batsman in to making errors.
“With the bat Dave Welsh and Scott Ritchie have been standouts for the All Blacks and with experienced run-getter Tom Salmond, they will be looking to amass a huge total in their 70 overs over the two day period.
“Depending on how results go in other matches this is a crucial game for both teams with the All Blacks on a winning streak and I believe they should be too good in this encounter.
“All games kick off at 1pm and each team will be able to bat a maximum of 70 overs per innings. All captains will be devising strategies to secure outright victories this week to enhance their chances of making the semis. It is certainly game on.”