HAMILTON will travel north to take on Pigeon Ponds with plenty at stake for both teams in their Hamilton and District Cricket Association (HDCA) A grade final round match-up today.

The Ponds currently sit in fifth and must win to push up inside the top four, while the Blues sit second and a win today would ensure they finish top two and get a home semi-final.

The visitors make the trek with a strong side, with plenty of bowling options, with the Pigeon Ponds Recreation Reserve a ground which typically offers plenty of runs to the batsmen.

The home team will be buoyed by the inclusion of Luke Merryfull, who will strengthen the team’s top order, while Simon Close and Peter Staude will be hoping for plenty of runs in the top order.

Murray Staude is a bit out, but Josh Grant moves up to the top grade and will get an opportunity to ply his trade.

Both teams will be hoping to put their best foot forward, as the Ponds should go into the do-or-die clash with an aggressive mindset, setting up an intriguing match-up.

College v Casterton District

THE Eagles will host Casterton District at College Turf this afternoon, knowing finals are already confirmed.

The home team is the only side to go into the final round guaranteed of a finals spot, while the Maroons will be searching for a rare win to finish the season on a positive note.

College will be without skipper, Charles Murrie, with Lachie Watt taking on the captaincy duties today.

The Maroons bring over a full-strength side and will be eyeing off a strong batting performance, as Casterton District sits last on the runs scored tally for the season.

The likes of Kaden Humphries, Rick Killey and Kane Forbes are all capable of wielding the willow, but the team has been unable to put it all together at the same time this season.

Despite locking away a top four spot, College will be out to continue its momentum ahead of finals next week and will go into the clash on its home ground full of confidence and as heavy favourites to notch up a 13th win of the season.

Grampians v Macarthur

THE Pumas will be hoping to finish off a disappointing season with an upset win when they host Macarthur at Dunkeld Turf in the final A grade game of the round.

Grampians sit sixth on the ladder with six wins for the season, while the Demons are searching for a top two spot with a big win this afternoon.

Kyall Timms has been a key to Macarthur pushing up the ladder, scoring 255 runs from five games, and collecting eight wickets as well.

He will play an important role once again in today’s clash, while Ollie Wortley will be licking his lips at the prospect of bowling on the Dunkeld surface, which typically offers plenty for spinners.

Josh Gordon will be equally as excited with the Pumas’ tweaker looking to cause some headaches for the Demon batsmen.

The visitors go into the clash as big favourites to win, as they look to the future and a push towards the Dundas Cup.