Cricket delicately poised
Around of one-day games before a Christmas break this weekend will go a long way to establishing likely finalists in Horsham Cricket Association’s A Grade competition.
Of particular interest will be a hard-wicket clash at Horsham Community Oval between fierce rivals Horsham Saints and Jung Tigers.
Neither side has much to crow about, both recording only two wins from seven rounds so far.
The fourth-placed Tigers are only ahead of the Saints on the ladder because of a draw earlier in the season.
The contest will be subject to plenty of mind games considering it was only a few weeks ago that the Saints hauled in a mighty Tigers target to record a memorable victory at Horsham City Oval.
Veteran Gary Davidson was the century-making hero and Haydn Smith took six wickets on that occasion, but they have since been back helping the Saints’ B Grade team.
Davidson has a significant batting strike rate against the Tigers, his former club, and it must be tempting for the Saints to recall him to the flagship grade this weekend.
The Saints had a solid win over competition straggler Blackheath-dimboola last week, declaring at 5-146 in response to the Bulls’ 104, with Austin Smith top-scoring with an unbeaten 41 and Tony Caccaviello clipping 36.
Josh Carroll, Matt Combe and Corey Smith also got into double figures.
But, on form at least, they are likely to find the Tigers harder to beat.
In a tremendous battle of wills at Horsham City Oval, the Tigers fell 17 runs short of making 282 to beat Rupanyup-minyip.
Rupanyup-minyip put the squeeze on the Tigers’ chase early, at one stage having the home side 3-37.
But Brett Jensz, whose 120 represented his first century for the Tigers, and cameo efforts from Steve Leith, 24, Jeremy Pietsch and Marty Knight, 29 each, kept the Tigers in touch.
Ultimately, the Blue Panthers had too many runs on the board, which provided disciplined all-rounder Ryan Metelmann, 3-66, and Brent Hudson with the foundation to attack one side of the wicket and ultimately Travis Hair to snare 3-38 at the end.
Jensz’s knock included 17 fours and a six.
Player availability has become an issue as games get closer to Christmas and it might again play its part in this clash.
Laharum will keep an ear out for proceedings at the school oval, but in sitting third on the ladder with only three wins, is also part of the delicate mix.
The Mountain Men also need a profound result to go their way and will size up second-placed Rupanyup-minyip at Laharum.
Laharum far from matched Homers in a one-sided affair last week and while escaping an outright loss, had to contend with a Sandy Hodge batting clinic.
Opener Hodge made 112 in a knock featuring 12 fours and a six at Horsham Sunnyside as the Pigeons finished the game on 7-344 in response to the visitors’ 58.
Jason Kannar, who resumed the Homers knock with Hodge, made 74 and Simon Hopper, 38, Jarred Combe, 32, Adam Atwood, 23, and Craig Britten, 27, also enjoyed time at the crease.
Homers have a habit of going for the jugular when on top and this week at Horsham City Oval will size up Blackheath-dimboola.
Blackheath-dimboola has some handy cricketers but hitting form as a team with both bat and ball will be crucial in trying to match the Pigeons.
The Bulls will confront a dead flat wicket and the likes of Luke Werner, who led the way with the bat last game, Harry Young and Lachie Watts have an opportunity to get among the runs. Containing the Pigeon runs will be just as crucial and Elliot Braithwaite’s efforts with the new ball will be important.