Difficult task for Otago teams

CRICKET

PLAYOFF spots are looking unlikely for Otago as the Super Smash prepares for its run home.

With four matches left in the domestic twenty20 competition, both the Volts and Sparks will need to hit form and hope other results go their way.

A top three finish will get them into the playoffs, while a topplaced finish earns a direct path to the final.

That will be particularly tough for the Volts in the men’s competition.

The side is just one place out of the playoffs.

However, the gap between it and the top three teams — which are tied on 20 points — is 12 points, or three wins.

The leaves the Volts essentially needing to win all its remaining games, while also requiring one of Wellington, Central Districts and Canterbury to lose of theirs. It is not an easy run either. Three of those four matches are on the road, beginning with one against an inform Wellington lineup, at the Basin Reserve on Sunday.

The Sparks task is not quite as tough in the women’s competition, although they will also need a strong finish.

They are also on eight points and are in fifth place.

However, they are only six points off thirdplaced Canterbury.

They, too, have a tough run in, having to play each of the teams in front of them once more.

That also gives them the chance to take points off each of those teams though, which will be key if they are to reel them in.

They next play on Sunday against Wellington, immediately before the Volts, at the Basin Reserve.