Sale-Maffra junior cricket semi-finals this weekend
THE Sale-Maffra cricket junior semi-finals will be played this weekend.
The matches will be played Saturday and Sunday morning, with the grand finals on Labour Day, March 8.
In the under 16s, Collegians will host Stratford and Bundalaguah will take on Maffra.
With Stratford to host Longford in the under 14s, Bundalaguah will look to continue its undefeated season when it meets Rosedale-Kilmany at home.
For more on the junior semi-finals, read Friday's Gippsland Times.
WITH two rounds to play in the senior grades, Sale is the only side which can push its way into the final four.
The Swans are eight points adrift of Bundalaguah and Boisdale-Briagolong, who are in third and fourth places respectively.
With six points for a victory, Sale must defeat the Bulls tomorrow or else all places in the semi-finals will be confirmed. If the Swans prevail, they will then have to overcome undefeated ladder leader Stratford.
Twenty-four points behind Stratford, second-placed Collegians is 10 ahead of Bundalaguah and Boisdale-Briagolong, and may need to win one of their remaining matches against the Redbacks and Saints to finish in the top two.
TOP spot in the thirds is still up for grabs.
Heyfield is only four points ahead of Nambrok, with the pair to meet on Saturday. As well as move it to the top of the ladder, victory would also ensure Nambrok a home semi-final.
Third-placed Maffra could go as high as second if it defeats RK and Heyfield.
Bundalaguah occupies fourth spot, six points and a healthy net run rate margin to Longford.
ONE spot in the fourth grade finals remains in doubt.
Boisdale-Briagolong is in fourth place, just ahead of RK on net run rate.
The Saints will play second-placed Collegians on Saturday, while the Warriors will be favoured to defeat bottom side Stradbroke. The following Saturday, the Saints have a winnable match against Wurruk, while the Warriors will play ladder leader Stratford.
The Redbacks are six points ahead of Collegians and the Bundalaguah Yaks, with a tight race for home semi-finals.