WDCA season hangs in the balance

Another twist in the WDCA season has come in what has been one of its wildest seasons.

The five-day lockdown ordered by the State Government on Friday forced Saturday matches to be cancelled, leaving many precarious ladder positions.

In division one, Western Park holds top spot, despite only claiming two wins. Their round one outright victory over Neerim District helping them claim an important four extra points. 

With round four washed out and now round six falling victim to the lockdown, it sets up an intriguing final round with many teams still in the hunt for the top four.

Hallora currently sit fourth, see Yarragon now right on their tail with only percentage keeping them from the final spot. A match up against Ellinbank looms as incredibly important on Saturday.

Western Park take on Yarragon, the Panthers still hoping to secure a finals berth after moving into fifth position after a timely first day victory last weekend, the only team to claim the points in round six.

They will need a lot to go their way, with their percentage at just 0.80 per cent. 

Buln’s victory in round five has given them a glimmer of hope, sitting sixth, they take on third placed Drouin at home with a victory needed to have any chance of sneaking into the final four. 

Neerim’s loss to Yarragon has seen them slip to seventh, however, a victory against bottom placed Warragul could make things interesting. 

Division one has seen five hundreds made this year, two belonging to Hallora recruit Damon Healy. His 117 in round one and a dominant 136 in round seven, which was a part of a 245 run opening stand with Grant Duncan, sees him catapult into second place on the run scoring charts.

Joel Batson, Gamini Kumara, Grant Duncan and Matthew Wakefield are the others able to hit triple figures.

Kumara has again shown his prowess. The star batsman has amassed 422 runs at an average of 105.50 from six innings with four 50s to his name to lead the league once again in run scoring.

With the ball, Sam Batson again tops the charts. The Western Park paceman has snagged 25 wickets so far this season at an average of 5.80, his best of 7/15 coming against Neerim District where he claimed 12 wickets for the match.

Hot on his heels is Neerim’s Dane Fawcett. His blistering spell of 6/4 from seven overs against Hallora still one of the most memorable in recent years. With 23 wickets to his name at an average of 11.83, he will be hoping for a big finish.

In division two, Catani leads the way again, continuing the form shown in their debut season last year. With five wins and a draw, they hold top spot over Drouin.

Garfield-Tynong, Iona and Western Park are battling it out for the final spot, all locked on 15 points with one round to play. 

Catani’s Liam Adams leads the way with 304 runs at an average of 50.67 for the season, his best of 141 helping his side to victory against Jindivick. 

Garfield-Tynong’s APK Rangajith tops the bowling charts in division two heading into the final round. His 16 wickets at an average of 8.63 causing headaches for his opponents. His 7/53 against Iona showcasing his skillset with the ball. 

Led by captain Jeremy Gray, Ellinbank sit on top of the division three ladder with a round to go.

It’s been a dominant second half of the season from Gray, with scores of 62, 71* and 116 as well as three four wicket hauls. He leads the league with 281 runs, and sits equal first alongside Carter Davis claiming 14 wickets. 

Neerim District’s Davis has an average of 9.36, his 14 wickets spread across the season showing his consistency. 

Garfield-Tynong sit fifth, six points behind Neerim District and a victory against bottom placed Yarragon could see them leapfrog into the finals. Neerim District face a tough task against the second placed Western Park.

In division four, Garfield-Tynong lead strongly assisted with skilled bowling by Paresh Naik. 

Naik has claimed 23 wickets in his six matches at an average of just 6.87, his first match for the season a memorable one, claiming 8/42 in a stunning display. 

With the willow, Amandeep Singh looks unlikely to be caught, his 371 runs at an average of 53 includes two hundreds and a best knock of 112* helping to see his Warragul side into third position.

Rahil Gandhi and Marc Fleming are the other two in division four to reach the triple figure level, Gandhi smashing 137*, while Fleming’s 111 helped Western Park beat top team Garfield-Tynong in round three. 

Bunyip leads the way in division five, claiming seven wins from their nine games so far.

Just 22 runs separate the top four batsmen in the league, showing how competitive it has been.

Longwarry’s Jet Pickering (276 runs) leads fellow teammate Harry Stephens (274 runs), closely followed by Vaneet Singh (260 runs) and Jeremiah Whibley (254 runs).

Gary Donoghue has given Hallora his best this season. His 24 wickets at an average of 8.17 leads the grade. With an economy of just 2.44 as well, batsman have struggled to score against him.

Longwarry and Warragul will battle it out for the final spot. Warragul needing a big win for them to have any chance of playing finals. 

Two one day games remain in division six as Drouin lead the league with eight wins.

Western Park will have a chance to equal their rivals, however percentage may put a stop to that.

Yarragon’s Steven Green leads with the bat, piling up 238 runs from his seven innings at an average of 79.33, only being dismissed three times so far.

Jackson Payroli is bearing down, however. The Western Park big hitter has only featured in four matches this season, but that hasn’t stopped his consistency, with 231 runs at an astonishing average of 115.50, finishing not out twice. 

Ash Norton has claimed 16 wickets for Drouin, with teammates Gavin Mills (16 wickets) and Brad Cross (13 wickets) rounding out the top three.

The bowling juggernaut of Drouin a huge reason they sit on top of the ladder with two rounds to play, pending the easing of the current lockdown in force.