The two pre-eminent competition heavyweights will go head-to-head in a semi-final rematch, and revenge will be firmly on the mind of Rochester as it looks to atone for its five-wicket defeat to the reigning premier in the penultimate match of the 2020-21 season.
Rochester went big against South last Saturday, posting more than 300 runs in its first-up clash, courtesy of scores to skipper Sean Williams (81), Charlie Ryan (76) and Dylan Cuttriss, before cleaning up with the ball.
It was a percentage and confidence booster in one — but Kyabram will pose a heftier challenge with ball in hand, mainly due to the Flames’ bowling spread, which includes Rob Salter, Jackson Barnett and Tristan Watson, who combined for nine of Kyabram’s 10 wickets in last weekend’s drubbing of Leitchville-Gunbower.
In the contest of the two contenders, it would be brave to tip against Kyabram at Northern Oval, but it’s set to be a close match-up.
Moama hosts Cooma at Moama Reserve on Saturday, buoyed by its first-up showing against Echuca.
While they weren’t able to reel in the victory, five-star performances from Jack Russell (92) and Clay McGregor (6-30) had the Mowers up and about, and one or two more top-order contributors could spell trouble for opposition bowling attacks.
Nondies Cohuna has spent the first two rounds on the pine due to washouts and the league bye, but gets its opportunity to make a statement in its season opener against Echuca South.
South will simply be seeking a much-improved performance from its young side, and its first game at home this season would mark the perfect opportunity to challenge the league newcomers.
The Swans need to shore up the Clayton Holmes- and Josh Novoselek-shaped holes in the batting line-up, but if they can find the personnel to fill the gaps, it will go a long way to them staying competitive as they undergo a rebuild.
BLU started its season strongly, and will look to make it two wins on the trot against Leitchville-Gunbower.
BLU’s bowling attack is up and about, and L-G will simply be looking for a better showing with the bat, all-out for 55 against Kyabram last weekend.
Echuca has the A-grade bye.
GMCA A-grade round three
Kyabram Fire Brigade v Rochester @ Northern Oval
Moama v Cooma @ Moama Recreation Reserve
Leitchville-Gunbower v BLU @ Gunbower Rcreation Reserve
Echuca South v Nondies Cohuna @ Echuca South Recreation Reserve
Echuca (bye)
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