The two top sides in the Grampians Cricket Association have flexed their muscle in the lead up to this season's finals series with Swifts-Great Western and Buangor-Tatyoon both claiming comprehensive wins in round 13.
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At Alexandra Oval, Swifts-Great Western atoned for their upset loss to Pomonal last week to take a nine wicket win over bottom-placed St Andrews.
St Andrews won the toss and chose to bat first, but it was the Swifts-Great Western bowlers who left St Andrews' middle order in tatters as a collapse of 3-2, left them scrabbling at 5-44.
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Matt Heffer had Riley Taylor caught for 10 to make it 3-42, before Ned Bohner was caught for 21 off the bowling of Chad Gilmour.
Heffer then claimed his second wicket of the day when he had Paul Menzies caught for 0.
Ryan Skiller tried his best to steady the St Andrew's ship with a solid 26 not out, but the damage was done and they were restricted to just 9-93 off their 40 overs.
After triggering the middle order collapse, Heffer was the pick of the bowlers as he claimed 3-19 off eight overs, including four maidens.
In the run-chase, Swifts-Great Western sailed home with Tom Eckel (44 not out) and Rick Peters (47 n.o.) guiding the side to a commanding 9 wicket win in just 23 overs.
Buangor-Tatyoon also claimed a comprehensive win as they dominated Youth Club at Central Park.
Youth Club batted first, but with three run-outs and a steady stream of wickets falling, they were dismissed for 94 as Trent Homden top-scored with 39.
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Shaun Allen was the pick of the Buangor-Tatyoon bowlers claiming 3-24 off six overs.
Buangor-Tatyoon then put the foot down as they raced to their target in just 24 overs, finishing at 3-98.
There was plenty of handy contributions with the bat for the ladder leaders as Sam Cronin (33) got the innings moving before Jacob Bates (22 n.o.) and Allen (26 n.o.) guided them home.
There is just two rounds remaining in the season, with the upcoming round 14 set to be a pivotal one in the finals race.
Buangor-Tatyoon and Swifts-Great Western will battle for top-spot at the Tatyoon recreation reserve, with a win for Buangor-Tatyoon ensuring top spot, while a win for Swifts-Great Western keeps their hopes of a first-placed ladder finish alive .
Youth Club have the bye, while Pomonal and St Andrews will clash at Central Park.
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