THERE were encouraging signs last Saturday in the South Coast Register Shoalhaven District Cricket Association first grade competition when the three teams that missed the 2009-10 final series played themselves into winning positions.
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Should they manage to press home their advantages tomorrow, the 2010-11 season will be thrown wide open.
Nowra in total control
NOWRA is well on top of Ulladulla United in their clash at Lighthouse Oval.
After a brilliant century from Ben Lahene inspired the visitors to a total of 7/263 declared, United’s top order collapsed late in the day.
With just eight overs to survive, the side slumped to 4/9.
Opener Robert Cooke played soundly to be still at the crease, but all others in the line-up must display some determination tomorrow.
New player Scott King will be keen to get among the runs, while Joseph Lavalle was a consistent batsman last season.
David Banks has plenty of potential, while Jon Kingston was a heavy scorer in second grade in 2009-10.
Alex Legge and Ben Minnis shared the wickets last week, and they will be keen to go on with the job.
Captain John White will take a turn, with Ben Lancaster and Adam Quinlan.
White will be anxious for his bowlers to complete the job, setting up the chance for an outright victory by the close of play.
However the United top order is unlikely to collapse again.
Chance for Bay
batsmen
AFTER their excellent start last week, the Bay and Basin batsmen have a big chance to upset runners-up Ex-Servicemen at Hayden Drexel Oval.
After the bowlers had done the job in restricting the home side to 199 on this plumb track, the Bay openers reduced the deficit by 43 runs before the close of play.
It was a new opening combination in Aaron Wester and Harley Bell, two of the players who have crossed from Ulladulla United this season.
They will look to build on that start, paving the way for skipper Jonathan Hill who looked in good touch in the Burns Cup.
A blow for the visitors is that Eugene O’Brien broke a finger while fielding and may not be able to bat.
However, his brother Liam will contribute, with another ex-Ulladulla player in Nathan Bell, for both have first grade centuries to their credit.
There appears to be depth in the line-up with Grant Morris and making a comeback, Luke Harding.
Ex-Servicemen’s attack will be strengthened, with Matthew Ganderton and Graham Phillis coming in as alternate players for captain Daniel Gleeson and Allan Watts.
This pair will look to make early inroads if their team is to have a chance.
Taking over the reins, acting skipper George Dickie will also call on Rodney Craig and up and coming speedster Lain Beckett.
This chase promises to be a fascinating one, given that Ex-Servicemen successfully defended a total of 110 against this side in round 14 last season.
Long chase for Norths
NORTH Nowra-Cambewarra will need a huge effort to match Berry-Shoalhaven Heads’ first day total of 212 at the Bernie Regan Sporting Complex.
Facing 14 overs at the end of play last week, Norths lost 3/23 including the wicket of captain Nick McDonald (14) from the last ball.
Graham Davidson is at the crease, and he will lead the charge.
Dean Tyson and Matthew Hickmott are also capable batsmen with ample experience.
Playing in this side for the first time are Tom McGrath and Shane Bell who will be anxious to get among the runs, while Lachlan Lamont will provide support.
Leading the attack are Glenn Brandon and Luke Bramley who both tasted success in their opening spells last week.
Skipper David Crapp and Jeff Dudgeon will take a turn, and other options include Aaron McElhinney and Sam Austin.
Should Berry’s bowlers complete the job by afternoon tea, it would throw the game open for bonus points and perhaps an outright result in the last session.
