Two weeks remain before the Peel Cricket Association finals begin, and the fight for the last spot in the top four remains as jumbled and unpredictable as ever.
Mandurah currently holds the fourth spot, but is even on wins with Baldivis and just one game ahead of Pinjarra and South Mandurah.
The tight race makes for an intriguing set of matches in round 17.
White Knights Baldivis v Pinjarra
Ladder position
Baldivis: Fifth
Pinjarra: Sixth
Short story
A loss in this game would see Pinjarra’s finals ambitions squashed and Baldivis’ hopes severely decrease; it’s really a do-or-die for both sides. On recent form, you give the edge to Pinjarra, but only by an inch. Their last two games saw them defeat Hillman (ninth) and lose to Singleton (first), whereas Baldivis have dropped games to both Hillman and Warnbro (tenth). This game will go to whichever side comes better prepared on the day, but it should be a cracker.
Fixture
Settlers Turf, Saturday, 12.15pm
Mandurah v Singleton
Ladder position
Mandurah: Fourth
Singleton: First
Short story
For mine, this is the match of the round. Mandurah has to overcome the competition’s most in-form side to keep their grip on a finals spot, while Singleton will be keen to stretch their winning streak to four games. It’s a daunting task, but if Mandurah can overcome the Irwinians and then take down Warnbro next week, they would go into the finals on a three-game winning run and would carry plenty of momentum.
Fixture
Meadow Springs Turf, Saturday, 12.15pm
Hillman v Waroona
Ladder position
Hillman: Ninth
Waroona: Second
Short story
Waroona’s win over Shoalwater Bay last week, which came on the back of a few impressive individual efforts, could be considered a statement victory. Taking down a team that was in second place was a big win, and now their two matches before finals are against sides outside the top four. Given their form last week, it’s fair to assume they’ll be in good touch again, but underestimating Hillman could see them slip back to third if they don’t bring their best.
Fixture
Stan Twight East Turf, Saturday, 12.15pm
South Mandurah v Shoalwater Bay
Ladder position
South Mandurah: Seventh
Shoalwater Bay: Third
Short story
South Mandurah’s win over Warnbro kept their slim hopes of playing finals alive last week. Now, they are tasked with a much more difficult opponent to keep their season running. Shoalwater is fighting for second place and a final on their home wicket, and they’re coming off a loss they will be keen to redeem themselves for.
Fixture
Peelwood Turf, Saturday, 12.15pm
Warnbro Swans v Halls Head
Ladder position
Warnrbo: Tenth
Halls Head: Eighth
Short story
Neither of these sides will make the finals, but the question now becomes whether or not they can finish the season with a couple more wins under their belt. The Swans got the monkey of their back when they claimed their first win of the season over Baldivis three weeks ago, but they will be eager to finish the season with more than a single victory. This is another match that has the potential to go either way.
Fixture
Warnbro Turf, Saturday, 12.15pm