This round should see at least the top three finalised which will leave the fourth spot open depending on which way the Darwin and Waratah fixture goes. It does appear though that Tracy Village will be a walking outright in the A’s and B’s, and PINT could also be a similar scenario in the final round, where their second grade only had eight players in attendance last Saturday. Not great signs considering PINT do have the four grades, with their thirds being very competitive.
Concerning for Waratah with Jain leaving for the T20 Max in QLD, means their middle order batting depth will again be exposed. Nightcliff are set to lose Carroll again while Potgieter is also expected to be heading home after this round for the South African season.
For the final standings of the ladder, if the following were to happen in the last two rounds, Nightcliff win outright, Palmerston lose both fixtures, Southern Districts win both their fixtures, Waratah win against Darwin and outright Tracy Village, the top four sides would all finish on 28 points. Will it happen? No.
Southern Districts v Palmerston
In the match of the round, Palmerston will be without Bleakley who’s partner is expecting means keeper bat Cadell McMahon will debut along with return of Thakkar for McKell. The Crocs have named 12 with Padula and Gawthrope in the mix and Richards out. The last track out at the Pass, had plenty in it for the quicks early on. The addition of Potgieter has been the standout along with taking the pressure off Bangs with the new ball, has added some venom to their attack. Scott also impressed in his first game and looks like he bowls a heavy ball besides his ability to clear the fence, just another quality all rounder in the Districts list. Palmerston bats will be keen to continue on their form, a win against this bowling attack will further their premiership credentials.
Palmerston win
Darwin v Waratah
The Eagles finals campaign virtually starts now with everything a must win to ensure they’re get through, while Waratah have Tracy Village in the last round. Both sides would be happy for Palmerston to knock over Southern Districts. The Tahs XI hasn’t been named yet, while Darwin have picked 12, Harry Dixon in as a slash player and McMahon back into the side. As was expected with the Waratah line up, when it comes to money end of the season, their batting line up disappears, which is unfortunate not just for them but the integrity of the competition with how other sides have also dropped off significantly. Koduru will have to go very big to stop Darwin getting the biscuits here.
Eagles win.
Tracy Village v Nightcliff
With their coach rumoured to have been given the marching orders a couple weeks ago and by the looks, a few players have called their time on the season, it will take a big effort for the Villagers to be competitive for their final two rounds. While getting the first innings point will be the main priority for Nightcliff, an outright result could see them take top spot if Palmerston lose the last two rounds along with other results going their way. The minor premiership is also on the cards (if that is still a thing), so plenty of incentive for the Tigers to go for full points.
Tigers max points.