For Kyabram Fire Brigade the name of the game will be redemption after a hefty 179-run defeat to Echuca last round, hoping to inflict Moama’s first defeat of the season.
Victory at Northern Oval in the one-day clash this Saturday could see the Flames jump into the top four, but Anthony McMahon’s men will be up for the challenge after stealing a six-run win over Rochester last start.
Rochester is still on the hunt for its first win of the season after a last-innings collapse of 80.
Rochester faces Leitchville-Gunbower at Windridge Oval, and after accounting for both of last season’s grand finalists — Echuca and BLU — so far this season Tyler Jones’s side will be confident.
The only blemish on L-G’s record is last round’s ledger-squaring two-day defeat to BLU, but with skipper Jones leading the competition with the bat in hand (254 runs at an average of 84) Leitchville-Gunbower will back itself in for its third win.
Reigning premier Echuca will end the year at Victoria Park against cross-town rivals Echuca South, who is still hunting for its first win of the season.
South was outclassed by Nondies-Cohuna in last round's outright defeat, and against a fired-up Echuca, the Swans will need their best cricket to have a chance at victory.
Bamawm-Lockington United will be hoping to end the year with three straight wins and will come in as favourites against Cooma at Cooma Recreation Reserve.
The Two Blues sit second-last on the ladder with two defeats to their name to start the season and will be hopeful of improved performances after a rough initiation to the McMahon Shield campaign.
Ladder leaders Nondies-Cohuna have the bye.
Round nine (Saturday, December 17)
Kyabram Fire Brigade vs Moama at Northern Oval
Cooma vs Bamawm-Lockington United at Cooma Recreation Reserve
Echuca vs Echuca South at Victoria Park
Rochester vs Leitchville-Gunbower at Windridge Oval
Nondies-Cohuna (BYE)
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