WITH the DDCA set to return this weekend for the Round 1 replay in predicted scorching Melbourne weather, NICK CREELY casts his eye on each Turf 1 side heading into the weekend’s matches and what could happen in one of the most hotly contested seasons to date:
Hallam-Kalora Park
An absolutely stellar first-half of the season for the Hawks, who enter 2017 in supreme form. By knocking off Cranbourne just before Christmas, they have stolen top-spot and now have to overcome the tag of favorites. What has been noticeable is just how well spread they are. In comparison to other clubs in the competition, who perhaps rely too heavily on one or two players, the Hawks are the most easily balanced team. Time will tell, and perhaps it’s a little early to call, but they seem like the real deal. And with only one team left to play inside the top four, a top two finish looks likely.
Most runs: Jordan Hammond (284 runs at 47.33)
Most wickets: Jordan Hammond (10 wickets at 12.90) and Jagveer Hayer (10 wickets at 13.70)
MVP: Jordan Hammond
Springvale South
Well the Bloods just keep on getting the job done, and will now look to further stamp their authority over the competition. Led brilliantly by Craig Slocombe, who speaks glowingly about his young group, the Bloods are a serious dark-horse despite being inside the top two. They are stable with the bat and possess great armory with the ball, and yet they haven’t been quite at their best as of yet. However, they face a tricky run home, with heavyweight clashes against Hallam and Cranbourne still to come.
Most runs: Dylan Quirk (210 runs at 52.50)
Most wickets: Rajith Priyan (11 wickets at 12.82)
MVP: Rajith Priyan
Cranbourne
Apart from falling to the Hawks right before the break, the Eagles were flying and were atop the ladder every week. But now they have been challenged, and it will be interesting to see how the reigning champions respond. They have the Spoljaric/Chasemore combination which has won them countless games already, but still need to find contributions from other players. Nonetheless, they look ominous and well primed for yet another tilt at a Turf 1 premiership.
Most runs: Steven Spoljaric (426 runs at 213.00)
Most wickets: Steven Spoljaric (15 wickets at 13.53)
MVP: Steven Spoljaric
Berwick
Rounding out the current top four is the Bears, who will fancy their chances coming into the pinnacle point of the season. Everywhere you look there is stars embedded within, and with captain Jarrod Goodes, arguably the top skipper in Turf 1, they are well placed to seriously challenge. In the second-half of the season, batting totals need to improve, but nonetheless, the Bears are a danger side, and have already proven they have a ruthless edge to their cricket.
Most runs: Jarrod Armitage (262 runs at 87.33)
Most wickets: James Wilcock (13 wickets at 10.46) and Jarrod Goodes (13 wickets at 11.92)
MVP: Jarrod Armitage
Mordialloc
The Bloodhounds are currently breathing down the neck of the top-four, and enter 2017 with confidence, after dismantling Narre Warren right before Christmas. They have been a tad inconsistent so far, but their best is as good as anyone’s in the competition. They must keep pushing and finally break into the finals after narrowly missing out last season.
Most runs: Ian Daniel (208 runs at 52.00)
Most wickets: Stuart Squires (16 wickets at 12.75)
MVP: Ian Daniel
Buckley Ridges
After a slow start to the season, the Bucks seem to have their act together, and are a legitmate threat coming into the second-half of the season. They have lacked some firepower to date, and have had no player really take a game by the scruff of the neck, but on talent, they are one of the best sides on paper. Top two is unlikely from here, but anything can happen and the Bucks have a fantastic winning culture.
Most runs: Susantha Pradeep (193 runs at 38.60)
Most wickets: Steven Mullaney (8 wickets at 5.63)
MVP: Troy Aust
Heinz-Southern Districts
Similar to the Bucks, the Cobras are a team that can inflict some damage, but have been unable to do so. At their best this season they have been quite ruthless, and for them to salvage something from the season, they must find a way to consistently win. They have several stars in the team that haven’t quite got going, but if they do, look out.
Most runs: Kaushalya Weeraratne (161 runs at 26.83)
Most wickets: Michael Davies (11 wickets at 12.64)
MVP: Kaushalya Weeraratne
North Dandenong
After a start to the season that was very promising, the Maroons have simply dropped off the pace after a few demoralizing losses. Unfortuantley their batting has let them down, and despite a glorious debut century by Caleb Millman, no player has been able to get going and put together a run of form. As with the previous two sides, their best is good, and they have a fantastic skipper in Jurgen Andersen, so a comeback is not out of the question.
Most runs: Caleb Millman (112 runs at 112)
Most wickets: Jurgen Andersen (14 wickets at 17.86)
MVP: Jurgen Andersen
Dingley
Despite sitting on the lower echelon of the ladder, the Dingoes have been highly impressive since joining the Turf 1 ranks, and will be better for the experience. They have a nice blend in the side, with some nice youth and senior players making a solid team. They have surprised some sides so far, and will be the type of team that could have a say in how the top four is made up.
Most runs: Matthew Hague (179 runs at 35.80)
Most wickets: Jasenthuliyana Chaturanga (11 wickets at 20.27)
MVP: Matthew Hague
Parkfield
Disappointing first half of the season for the Parkers, who despite being in a lot of games, have been able to be on the winning side. But the biggest positive this season is Manisha Dabarera, who has been stunning in a side that has struggled with the bat throughout the season. He looks a class act, and someone who going forward, will be important in getting them back into the finals mix. Much like Dingley, they will seek to cause some upsets and gather momentum heading into the next season.
Most runs: Manisha Dabarera (260 runs at 65.00)
Most wickets: Matthew Aslett (11 wickets at 22.45)
MVP: Manisha Dabarera
Dandenong West
Before the start of the season, the Bulls promised to blood their youth, and have stuck to their word. They still have some senior players leading the way, but there is a lot to like going forward. As expected, they have been on the receiving end of some brutal defeats, but are still a learning team with plenty of excitement. They just need to work on remaining more competitive in the latter part of the season.
Most runs: Ethan French (106 runs at 17.67)
Most wickets: Peter Atkinson (22 wickets at 16.82)
MVP: Peter Atkinson
Narre Warren
Despite enduring a horror season to date, the Magpies would be thrilled with Janaka Liyanabadalge, who has been a shining light with the bat. In some of the Magpies heaviest defeats, the classy middle-order bat has stood tall, and given hope to the side. Nonetheless, they have struggled to deal with quite a large player turnover, and have been virtually uncompetitive. All they can really do from here is continue to blood youngsters and persist with them, but a winless season looks likely.
Most runs: Janaka Liyanabadalge (283 runs at 40.43)
Most wickets: Matin Sultani (12 wickets at 19.25)
MVP: Janaka Liyanabadalge
Fixture – 7 January, 1pm start (one-dayer)
Springvale South v Heinz-Southern Districts, Alex Nelson Reserve
Cranbourne v Berwick, Casey Fields
Narre Warren v Dingley, Sweeney Reserve
North Dandenong v Parkfield, Lois Twohig Reserve
Mordialloc v Buckley Ridges, Ben Kavanagh Reserve
Dandenong West v Hallam-Kalora Park, Greaves Reserve
