Wanderers hope to solidify finals spot as they double up against Towns

Wanderers hope to put their finals qualifications beyond doubt this weekend though they face a tough challenge in the form of Towns who they’ll meet twice.

They first play on Friday night in the final regular season T20 game and though neither can make the final, competition points for the league are still on the line.

Towns aim to ensure they take the minor premiership and direct entry to the grand final while Wanderers look to solidify their place in the top three.

Wanderers has won their past four games and six of their past seven, a fair effort as before that they lost four straight.

Both have only won one T20 this season while in the one-dayers Towns have only dropped one game though that did come against the Wanderers back in round eight.

The one-day game will also be Pink Stumps Day with both clubs raising funds for the McGrath Foundation at the Recreation ground on Saturday.

So far nearly $1600 has already been raised with donations and raffle tickets being sold on the day.

Saturday’s other 50-over game pits Bluff Point against Chapman Valley-Northampton at Muir Park.

The Pointers could still take the top spot but it is a must-win game for them and with all-rounder Carl Shilling back, they’re a much better team.

The Rams would dearly love to finish a long summer positively but their issue has been a lack of runs, Kurt Crudeli’s 77 against Towns back in November is their sole 50.

Cricketer of the Year points are, of course, up for grabs as the field is led by Wanderers’ Clayton Bruce-Cherry on 671 points.

Shilling is next on 627 and reportedly available for all remaining games. Also in the mix are Towns’ Ringo McKenna on 576, Wanderers’ Jason Partington 551 and Sporties’ Jarrad Jupp 532.

In the Young Motors Women’s Cricket League, the last round of qualifiers is on Sunday.

Minor premiers Wanderers and second-placed Sportsmans meet at Muir Park while Towns and CVN play at the Recreation ground

Both games are in effect a dress rehearsal for next week’s grand final between Wanderers and Sportsmans and the play-off for third between Towns and CVN.

A sidenote will be who wins Women’s Cricketer of the Year with Towns’ Ruth Vorster the current leader on 444 points followed by Olivia Bidwell (Wan) on 435 and Janelle Phillips (Twn) on 417.

It’s hard to imagine the winner won’t be one of them but Sportsmans’ Jo Walker on 385 and Towns’ Dirranie Kirby on 373 could get up if they have a very good day.

B-grade: Wan v BP (GBSC1); Don v Twn (Dongara); Spo v CVN (Wonthella).