Play resumes on Saturday in the Millicent Naracoorte Cricket Association after the customary three-week festive season break.


The Millicent Black Hats are heading the table and well-placed to defend their premiership.


The added incentive on offer is the awarding of the inaugural Dale Bateman Memorial Premiership Shield which honours the memory of the Furner sportsman who died last year.


Going on the results of their first meeting in the 2024/25 season, the trip to Lucindale should hold no fears for the ladder leaders.


When they last met on November 2 at Norm Facey Oval in Millicent, the home team batted first.


There were some shaky moments but the Millicent Black Hats managed to score 163.


This was mainly due to the efforts of teens Ellis Cushion (67) and Ryder Lindner (25).


In reply, Lucindale did not have a full team but the score of 77 was well below par.


The destroyer was Cambell Hateley with 4/11.


One of the best ways to reverse this result is for greater contributions from its senior players.


New Millicent/Naracoorte Cricket Association president Michael McGurk has set a good example.


As well as six wickets, McGurk has compiled 211 runs with a top score of 67 and an average of 42.2.


Competition powerhouse Rendelsham will be looking for revenge when they head to Wortley oval to face the Naracoorte Warriors.


At their last meeting, the Naracoorte Warriors set Rendelsham a modest target of 120.


All looked lost at 9/72 until a fighting last wicket partnership.


It was worth 29 but still well short of victory.


In the round’s other game, Kingston are favourites to defeat the Naracoorte Townies at home.