For the second consecutive round, Swifts-Great Western will be involved in a top of the ladder clash when it hosts second-placed Tatyoon in the final regular season round of Grampians Cricket Association A Grade action on Saturday.
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Combine managed to hold on to top spot with a decisive victory against the then second-placed Aradale in round 10 with the round 11 fixture set to test the team once again.
Tatyoon is coming off a win also, but in a different type of game, one in which the bowlers dominated both days with batsmen struggling to get a start at the crease.
The Combine will need to be mindful of the pitch, as the Tatyoon turf has caused some issues for the batting team for much of the season and will provide a good test for the Swifts-Great Western top order ahead of finals.
With the winner of the match set to finish the season on top and claim the minor premiership, the loser is almost certain to slip to third position, with the top four separated by just six points.
A warm day is forecast for the first week of the clash, providing conditions that should assist batsmen, despite the unpredictable pitch at the Tatyoon ground.
Tatyoon’s batsmen will need to score more runs than the previous match with the Combine team an evenly balanced side with both the bat and ball.
After missing out on a big score, Swifts-Great Western captain and opening batsman Sam Cocks will be hoping to make more of an impact and lead his team to the A Grade minor premiership.
Marc Brilliant and Michael Harricks will be ones to keep an eye on with the ball, as both can bowl devastating spells that can knock over a batting order quickly.
With so much to play for, it remains to be seen who can adapt to conditions quicker but this is one game where the coin toss could play a critical role in the result of the match.
The first ball is set for 1pm at Tatyoon Recreation Reserve.