MINI FINAL HEATS UP

WINCHELSEA will treat tomorrow’s day-two clash with Ocean Grove as a “mini final” in what looms as must-win game for its top-four hopes.

Sitting at 1-32, the Blues have the upper hand after an impressive performance with the ball last week kept the Grubbers to just 152 runs.

But they must find a way to negate the genuine pace of Ocean Grove quick Daniel Roddis, who has proven his matchwinning credentials this season. Captain Daniel John- son said a win tomorrow was non-negotiable to keep themselves in the finals mix.

“This game’s potentially like a mini final that we really need the six points from to then hopefully push for the next two weeks and try to cement our spot in the top four,” Johnson said.

Sixth on the ladder, victory tomorrow will draw Winchelsea level on four wins with Ocean Grove in a battle for fourth spot, with the likes of Barwon Heads and Jan Juc also set to join the fight should they win their respective games.

Johnson said the forecast for temperatures in the 30s would mean the day’s first 20 overs would be critical in deciding the game’s outcome.

“Looking at the weather too, it’s going to be hot,” he said.

“If we’re still tracking well after 20 overs they’re going to be pretty cooked, so the first 20 overs is where it’ll be won or lost for us, I think.”

Roddis looms as a significant threat to Winchelsea’s hopes, with the paceman sitting third for A-grade wickets taken this season with 19.

But the Blues captain also pointed to opener Tom Stephenson as the batsman likely