Mudgee Colts v Coomera H.I.

THERE are two finals-crucial match-ups in second grade this weekend, and both involve Mudgeeraba sides.

At Corbwood No. 2, Mudgeeraba hosts Surfers Paradise in a fifth versus sixth battle, with both sides needing a win to stay in touch with the top four.

The same can be said for the seventh and eighth-ranked Mudgee Colts and Coomera Hope Island, who match up on Corbwood No. 1 at the same time.

Coomera’s finals hopes will be all-but shot if they can’t get a win on Saturday – and the equation isn’t much easier for the three sides sat just above them.

KEY WICKET: Brendan Hambridge (Coom.)

Coomera’s leading bat opened the season like a house on fire, blasting 62 and 54 in the opening fortnight. He’s only topped 20 runs three times since then. He nearly got Coomera home in the reverse fixture in Round 2 – can he do it this time?

KEY STAT: 3. Coomera has lost three on the trot since its upset win over second-ranked Broadbeach on December 11. Another lose could mean curtains for the season.