FIVE teams are fighting for the last spot in the Hamilton and District Cricket Association (HDCA) A grade one-day final when play gets underway today in round nine action.

Tyrendarra has all but secured its place in the decider, but Casterton District, Portland Colts, Gorae-Portland, St Andrew’s and College are all battling for the remaining spot, while Macarthur and Pigeon Ponds have a second game on Sunday which could have a huge influence on the ladder.

Portland Colts v Casterton District

PORTLAND Colts must be favoured to defeat Casterton District in the game at Henty Park, given the form of the visitors over the last three weeks.

The Maroons haven’t won since round six and the club must be worried about this complete loss of form after the side started the summer with six straight wins.

The key for both teams will be whether Portland Colts captain, Luke Evans, is able to continue his outstanding form this summer, which has him sitting atop the run getters list with over 360 runs already.

Evans is one of only two Portland Colts batsmen who feature in the top 20 on the list, with the second player at number 20, which shows just how vital his wicket is to both teams.

Rick Killey is expected to return to the Maroons line-up after missing the last couple of weeks, and his batting in the top order is vitally important to his team, in a game the team must win to stay in top two contention.

Gorae-Portland v College

GORAE-PORTLAND hosts College at Alexandra Park, knowing it can take a huge step towards securing a one-day final spot if the team’s winning form continues this afternoon.

College was washed out against Hamilton last Saturday and shared the points, while Gorae-Portland was the only side to register victory in the rain-affected round.

Those extra four points for the win lifted Gorae-Portland from sixth to third, and this encounter against the current reigning premiers is going to be test of just where the side is at.

College should be at full strength for the match and with the game being played on a synthetic wicket, the Eagles batsmen should be primed to score heavily.

Macarthur v St Andrews

MACARTHUR has the chance to rise markedly up the premiership ladder, as the team has two games to play this weekend, and victory in each game could see the side rise to as high as third, depending on other results.

The Demons host St Andrew’s on Saturday at Macarthur Recreation Reserve before travelling to Pigeon Ponds Recreation Reserve to tackle the home side on Sunday in a catch-up game from last weekend, due to a player’s wedding.

To start the weekend off with a win, the Demons will have to get past the Drews which is sitting in fourth place, and the visitors will be strengthened with the return of Brendan Huf at the top of the order after he missed the last two rounds through injury.

The champion opening batsman has fond memories of this ground after hitting his career high score of 235 against the locals a few summers ago and no doubt would love to ton up again.

Michael Brilley is batting well for the Demons, and he and Jack Wortley have formed a very good opening partnership, which has seen the middle order have a solid foundation on which to build each innings.

The carrot dangles in front of each side, all that remains is which one will grab it.

Tyrendarra v Grampians

WHEN the draw was released before the start of the season, this was one game that stood out as one not to miss, as Tyrendarra is the reigning Portland association premier and Grampians was beaten grand finalists in the Hamilton competition.

It also doubles as a personal clash for Jordi Withers, having played for the Pumas during his stint in the HDCA.

Tyrendarra is one of the best teams to play in the competition for many years with the way the side plays its cricket being very professional in all aspects of the game.

Grampians normally would expect to be up around the top of the ladder, but the loss of a genuine spin bowler and the unavailability of key players has hampered the progress of the team this summer.

Will Collins is leading from the front with both bat and ball, and his tactical nous has seen the side well in contention in every game to date, and today’s game at Monivae College should be no different.

South Portland v Pigeon Ponds

NEITHER team has played for two weeks after the washout last round, but Pigeon Ponds did manage a T20 game against Tahara where the Pigeons thrashed the Bluecaps with nine overs to spare.

Both teams were thoroughly outplayed in their last premiership games back in round seven, and each side must get back on the winners list if they wish to push for a finals place come March next year.

The Cavalier Park wicket offers nothing for a bowler that drops short, as the ‘tennis ball’ bounce gives batsmen a free hit at this type of delivery.

The key to winning here is to pitch the ball up and allow it to move off the surface from the seam, which will assist the bowlers for both teams.

Portland Tigers v Hamilton

DESPITE summer only officially beginning yesterday, this match may well decide the wooden spoon for the 2023-24 season.

Both teams have only registered one victory for the season to date, but Hamilton is three points ahead of the Tigers due to an extra drawn game.

Each side must be content with runs being scored, as each team posted over 210 in the last games played, but Hamilton won its game against Casterton District, while Portland Tigers watched on as Macarthur hunted down the target with seven overs to spare.

It’s possible the home ground advantage offers Portland Tigers a very slight edge, but Hamilton wants to continue with its winning form and its best could pinch the points at Hanlon Park.