By David Nagel
The top four take on the bottom four in one-day action this week as the Casey Cardinia Cricket Association (CCCA) Premier Division returns from a holiday hiatus…beginning the run home to finals.
But, despite the disparity on the ladder, all four matches have the potential to be absolute rippers.
The most intriguing match takes place at Donnelly Reserve where last-start winner Merinda Park will look to dislodge an out-of-form Cardinia from the top four.
The Cobras rode the brilliant form of their best player of the last decade, Dan McCalman, to victory over Carlisle Park just prior to Christmas, while the Bulls continued a worrying trend against Kooweerup.
After winning their first two games, the Bulls have now won just one of their last six to sit tenuously inside the top four.
The Bulls have a pretty good run home, playing the bottom-four in their last five games, but lose this one and they’ll potentially be playing an unwanted catch-up game for the remainder of the season.
While McCalman, the second highest run-scorer this season, has held the Cobras together, the Bulls have had no-one put their hand up as a consistent performer.
Bradey Welsh has been the Bulls’ best with 204 runs to his name.
This one could come down to a battle of the off-spinners, with Cobras’ lefty Sasindu Perera (16 wickets) and talented Bulls’ all-rounder Trav Wheller (15 wickets) both in terrific form.
The Cobras prevailed the last time the teams met in round five…and expect them to salute again and move into fourth place.
In other games this week, Officer host neighbours Pakenham in what is sure to be a robust contest at Starling Road, while reigning champion Tooradin should bolster its top-two credentials on an away trip to Carlisle Park.
And Clyde, last start winners against Pakenham, will look to claim its second huge scalp in a row when the Cougars host Kooweerup at Ramlegh Reserve.
TIP (In Capitals): Clyde v KOOWEERUP, MERINDA PARK v Cardinia, Officer v PAKENHAM, Carlisle Park v TOORADIN.
