GRAMPIANS is on track to claim the minor premiership in the Hamilton and District Cricket Association A grade competition for this season after a dominant start to the 2022-23 season, on top 25.58 points clear.
That means the side is two victories clear of the chasing pack and with only five games left to play, it seems that the top spot is the Pumas to lose.
The wet weather that hit the district caused havoc with the staging of matches, as rounds 3-5 were all washed out, but Grampians had posted two strong bonus point victories in the first two matches to clear out from the chasing pack.
The acquisition of English leg spinner, Harrison Wood, has been a great addition to the club, as the youngster has already pouched 16 wickets to lead the wicket takers for the competition.
As a unit, Grampians is balanced with all bases covered; the top six batsmen are all in form and making runs, the bowlers are a great mix of pace and spin while the fielding aspect is always very good.
It has been 25 years since Grampians (Dunkeld) celebrated its first A grade title, and this side is on track to repeat that performance.
Reigning premier, College, is sitting on the fourth rung of the ladder and is poised to pounce after the break to rise up the ladder.
The Eagles have only three matches to play of the remaining five rounds due to having two byes, which assures the side 16 points, so those three games must be won if the side is going to finish in the top four.
St Andrew’s is currently in second place thanks to the form of veteran opening batsman, Brendan Huf, who is currently the leading run getter in the competition with 267.
With James Guthrig posting his maiden A grade half century in the final round before Christmas, the Drews have another batsman in the top six to support Huf in posting large scores.
The attack of Dale Harris, Sam Burns and Latham Wishart is offset by the off spin of skipper Russell Elton and Guthrig, who grabbed a 5fa in his last start.
Last season’s Christmas Champions, Pigeon Ponds, missed the finals after imploding over January and February earlier this year, but this summer the Pigeons are sitting third with a game in hand and are making all the right noises at this time of the season.
Current PF Christie Medal winner, Simon Close, notched his eighth century in the top grade since Pigeon Ponds joined the association six years ago with a fine 107 against College last Saturday to claim the points at home.
His form with both bat and ball is vital to the Pigeons chances.
Macarthur has undergone a rebuilding phase this summer after the loss of the Timms brothers, while Zebb Nield also left a massive hole in the line-up, but the Demons surprised many by reaching the T20 final.
Michael Brilley and Jack Wortley have been on fire with bat in hand, while Bingham Jarrett and Kyle Smitten are leading the way with the ball.
Casterton District has welcomed some new recruits in Jacob Edwards and Carey Megaw who have added depth to the side, but the loss of key personnel to the ‘Cricketers Curse’ (the wedding) has meant that the Maroons hasn’t fielded its best XI in a match this season.
Sitting just outside the top four with a game in hand, the Maroons could well win their way into the finals if it can get the best side on the paddock.
Hamilton may be holding up the rest of the premiership ladder at present, but the return of Daniel Richardson to the team for the remainder of the summer is the fillip the side needs to stage a second half of the season charge up the ladder.
