Is there any chance, Laharum?
The microscope is on Laharum in Horsham Cricket Association’s A Grade competition as teams build momentum in a last push to the finals.
Laharum, despite only three wins and a draw in its 11 contests this season, is only a game and a half outside the top four on an overall ladder.
But the Mountain Men’s chances of having a say in the season finale is slipping away with each round and it has only four games to make any sort of charge. They need a considerable scalp to launch an unlikely late-season challenge and might well have to start in the last of the season’s one-day round of games on Saturday.
Laharum meets Horsham Saints under lights at the usually benign Horsham City Oval and faces a mighty challenge.
Mountain Men efforts against pace-setting Homers last week were nothing to write home about as the team capitulated to be all out for 68.
Travis Cowan down the order was the only batsman to make a serious impression and the team then watched Homers pass the target with only one wicket down.
Horsham Saints on the other hand, with seven wins so far this year, were too good for West Wimmera.
The Saints used a variety of bowlers to rip through the Warriors at Nhill’s Davis Park for 90 and then made 142 in response, Gary Davidson clipping 38, Mark Crafter 34 and skipper Austin Smith 23.
What might encourage Laharum’s brains trust this weekend is that the Saints, 8-45.
The cards have to dramatically fall Laharum’s way for it to press for a semi-final spot and Rupanyup-minyip, its nearest opponent, will try to remove any doubt.
The Blue Panthers, who after sealing their win, lost fell in a highly competitive clash against Jung Tigers last week, take on Homers and, if nothing more, have the benefit of underdog status.
They also take players into the game in good batting form, with Dan Clark making 61 last week, Travis Hair 58, Mark Mbofana 42 and Clinton Midg- ley 24. All-rounder Brent Hudson also captured 3-33.
Homers appear almost unbeatable with a lengthy batting list that Adam Atwood, 37 not out, led last week, having all the answers against opposition attacks.
The Pigeons’ own bowling list is diverse, with Craig Britten the best of many wicket takers last outing.
Jung Tigers’ win over Rupanyup-minyip would have fuelled the Tigers’ reserves of confidence.
A score of 6-244 is a solid effort in 40 overs and opener Tyler Neville’s 79 augurs well for a good season finish for the team.
Josiah Mock also made 46, Angus Adams 28, and a variety of others made it into double figures.
The Tigers meet West Wimmera, which despite struggling for victories, captures attention with individual performances.
Jordan Gurry took 5-23 and Josh Lees 3-27 against Horsham Saints last week.
The final one-day round of the season will also shore up one-day finalists.
Homers and Horsham Saints will finish clear leaders to fight it out for the Cornell-schwedes trophy on March 10.