Cricketers in the Millicent/Naracoorte Cricket Association would be upset the brutal heat of last weekend will be repeated in round five on Saturday.
Another heat wave will test the fitness of all players and make winning the toss a critical part of the forthcoming contests.
Lucindale players have timed their bye well as they were in action on both days at home last weekend.
They defeated Naracoorte Warriors in the home and away season on Saturday and then won the inaugural Jason Doig Memorial Match against Limestone Coast police the following day.
Naracoorte Townies v Millicent Black Hats
This game at Wortley Oval at Naracoorte is the sole contest in round five to feature two teams in the top four.
Reigning premiers Millicent Black Hats have had an unblemished start to the season with four wins.
It has been said the mostly young team has an even spread of talent and round four statistics bore this out.
Of the 10 Blacks Hats who batted against Mount Burr at Norm Facey Oval, nine of them made double figures.
The Naracoorte Townies occupy fourth place but the home ground advantage will not be enough to take them to victory against the top team.
Kingston v Naracoorte Warriors
These two teams occupy the bottom two places of the premiership table and need a win to stay in touch with the competition pace-setters.
The seasiders’ bowling attack is either lacking penetration or lacking in luck or lacking in both.
They have conceded centuries to opposition batsmen in the past two matches and this gives rise to hope among the Naracoorte Warriors.
Mount Burr v Rendelsham
The match of the day will be at Mick and Jean Walker Oval at Mount Burr where the home team gets to play for the first time in the 2024/25 season.
The absence of any cricket or football in recent months has allowed the installation of a new irrigation system and for grass to grow over the trenches.
Another improvement at Mount Burr has been the installation of two new concrete practice wickets thanks to a grant from the South Australian Cricket Association.
Although the Smith/Walker trophy games involving Rendelsham and Mount Burr have been discontinued, the two clubs still enjoy strong social ties.
The home side faces one of the strongest batting lineups in the competition and one which will be keen to exploit the short boundaries.
The most-prized wicket will be that of Jake Wight who was in outstanding touch in round four at home against Kingston.
His top score of 120 runs, catch and bowling honours of 4/6 were remarkable.
The visitors are set to welcome back classy all-rounder Tyson Smith who was interstate last weekend.
With Jacob Carger, Mitch Pulmer and Dylan Clough also keen for runs, the Mount Burr bowlers can afford few loose deliveries.
The home side will look to the Muhovics brothers and all-rounder Mark Wright to be in peak form.
