THE Hamilton and District Cricket Association (HDCA) BC grade competition is starting to heat up, as all 12 teams will be eying off a spot in the finals as the season resumes today after the Christmas break.

Tahara v College

TAHARA Recreation Reserve will see a battle of two of the best teams in the association when College takes on Tahara.

Tahara remain undefeated this year, but in the last match-up between these two teams, it was a tight tussle with the Bluecaps winning by 28 runs.

Marcus Rhook will be hoping to continue his dominant season with the ball for Tahara, while College will look to captain, Jonathan Jenkin, to get the team off to a good start with the bat.

Casterton District v St Andrews

ST Andrew’s will travel to Island Park 2 in hopes of getting its first win on the board for the season, while Casterton District is aiming to push into the top four on the ladder.

Aiden Sutherland has been in good form this year with the bat, but for the Drews to post a good score he will need support from the rest of the line-up.

Maroons all-rounder, Justin Carlin, has been a major threat, having already taken nine wickets for the season.

Hamilton v Grampians

HAYMES Paint Oval is set for a monster clash when Hamilton takes on Grampians in a battle of second against third.

Hamilton will hope they can nullify Grampians captain, Eddie McShane, who has dominated the season, leading the competition for wickets and runs.

Hamilton North vs Tarrington

HAMILTON NORTH will take on Tarrington at Monivae College, which could determine where both teams finish this season, as they are both in the race for finals.

Darren Groves and Oscar Newell have been the best opening pair in the competition, and both already have combined for 491 runs this year, but the challenge of the Tarrington bowlers will be interesting.

Byaduk vs St Andrews Saints

BYADUK will host St Andrew’s Saints at Christie Oval in what is a must win clash for both teams’ finals aspirations.

Drew Pickford and Lachie Holcombe will be the big wickets for the Drews, and the visitors will feel very confident if they can knock these batsmen over early.

Branxholme vs Macarthur

MACARTHUR will travel to Branxholme Recreation Reserve to take on the Bulls, with the Demons looking to continue its winning start to its time in this grade after being promoted mid-season.

The Demons will be very confident they can come away with the points, as Branxholme haven’t been playing as high-quality cricket as it has previously.

The Bulls will need Adam Campbell and Andrew McFarlane to post big scores to be any chance of coming away with a victory.