MACARTHUR could put a significant dent in Tarrington’s BC grade finals aspirations when the two teams face off at Macarthur Recreation Reserve in Hamilton and District Cricket Association action this afternoon.

The Demons have settled seamlessly into the higher grade with Matt Timms smashing 128 and grabbing 5-8 last week against Branxholme and will again be a key player in today’s contest.

Tarrington will be hoping the likes of Dylan Bensch and Andy O’Connor can go big with the bat, while Ash Kearney and Stephen Hadden can create havoc with the ball for the Tigers.

St Andrew’s v College

ST Andrew’s and College will play off once again with the two B grade ranked sides facing off at PP1 this afternoon.

The two teams are all but guaranteed of meeting in the B grade semi-final, despite the Drews sitting in bottom spot without a win, with today’s clash set to be the first of four match-ups between the two teams in the final seven rounds of the season.

College will go in as heavy favourite with the Eagles sitting in eighth spot with three wins, while the Drews remain winless.

Hamilton North v Tahara

THE Hammers have the tough task of hosting Tahara at Hamilton Recreation Reserve in a fourth v second clash.

The Bluecaps have been one of the form teams of the season, losing just one game so far, with Hamilton North needing to post a big score to be competitive against a bowling attack which conceded just 1156 runs over the first 10 rounds.

Darren Groves will be a key wicket for the home side, while Brad Gauci will be hoping to continue his strong form with bat in hand for the visitors.

Byaduk v Grampians

THE Ducks will be at home at Christie Oval again for a clash against the Pumas.

Byaduk is coming off its first win of the season last week, but Grampians will offer a much stronger challenge, with the likes of Greg Millard and Craig Templeton able to score quickly.

Ryan Burgess has also been named for the visitors, and will shoulder much of the bowling responsibility.

Drew Pickford will be important with bat in hand for the home side, offering plenty of experience, while the likes of Cam Christie and Matt Brown can break important partnerships with the ball.

Hamilton v Casterton District

THE Blues will host the Maroons at Mitchell Park in a fifth v sixth match-up.

Both teams have enjoyed some strong performances so far this season, but the home side are missing some key personnel for the clash and the likes of Rory Steff and Jay Casey have got the call-up from D grade as a result.

Branxholme v St Andrew’s Saints

ST Andrew’s Saints will be out to bounce back from last week’s loss to Byaduk when the side travels to Branxholme Recreation Reserve to take on the Bulls.

Geoff Barker has been instrumental with bat in hand, but will need plenty of support in the middle from the likes of John Hockey and Grady Bell at the top of the order.

The Saints defeated Branxholme earlier in the season, but the Bulls will be hopeful they can reverse the result at home this afternoon.