A loss in this match and suddenly with just one round remaining prior to the Christmas/New Year break, Aradale's hold on fourth spot is in jeopardy.

Aradale presently hold fourth spot, but if they lose out to Youth Club, the Clubbers will move on equal points, while Pomonal with a big score on the board against Buangor, could also enter the fray.

A win tomorrow gives Aradale breathing space.

To win Aradale must chase down Youth Club's first innings score of 195 runs.

Aradale have made a start, but in the process have lost two wickets and at 2/19 must consolidate.

Youth Club's bowling attack will be weakened with the loss of Steve Le Gassick and Jamie Solyom, who are both unavailable tomorrow. Cam Kimber and Shaun Ellis, who already have one wicket each, will need to carry the bulk of the workload supported by young Jarrod Illig and spinner Angus Barham.

Travis Horvatek (5no) and Brent Tate (4no) return to the crease tomorrow and it will be vital they withstand the early overs. These two have the ability to build a winning score for Aradale.

Tyler Cronin, Matthew Stasse and Matt Baldock must add support if Aradale is to wrap up a win.

Tatyoon has a chance to claw back lost ground on the leading teams with a chance to topple the top team Swifts/Great Western when play resumes tomorrow.

The Combine were mediocre last week with a first innings score of 103 runs and Tatyoon will be chasing that score down when they resume at 3/43.

Jarrod Blandford (11) and Geoff Phillips (0) resume for Tatyoon tomorrow. They must hold out the Combine attack in Jamie Bach, who already has three wickets, Marc Brilliant, Jackson Dark and Gary Ranton in the opening session of play if Tatyoon are to get the required runs.

Andrew Ward, Tim McDougall and Jake Williamson will also need to make runs if Tatyoon are to upset the competition leaders.

Sixty one runs with seven wickets in hand is a reality for Tatyoon, but they will need to work hard against the might of the Combine bowlers.

Pomonal with 239 runs on the board will be rating themselves a big chance against the second team Buangor.

Buangor have been impressive so far this season and to run down this score will be another big effort, as Pomonal do boast a capable bowling attack.

Lee Oliver, Al McKay, Rick Oliver and spinner Matt Grinham will be working hard to get Pomonal over the line and take early wickets.

The likes of Shaun Allen, Chris Jerram, Tyson Carr and Harry Ganley have come up with some top performances with the bat this season and another is required tomorrow, if Buangor is to overhaul the Pomonal score on the turf in Ararat.

Tomorrow's matches:

A grade

Buangor v Pomonal 239 (cc)

Youth Club 195 v Aradale 2/19

Tatyoon 3/43 v Swifts Great Western 103

B grade

Navarre 9/302 v St Andrews 3/29

Chalambar 3/31 v Pomonal 192

Halls Gap 296 v Willaura 0/69

Swifts/Great Western d Youth Club on forfeit

C grade (One Day)

St Andrews v Elmhurst (GS)

Buangor v Navarre

Pomonal v Aradale

Rhymney/Moyston v Chalambar