Redbacks’ second crack

REIGNING Upper Loddon premiers Arnold had luck on side to make this season’s finals.

The Redbacks for a second week will face the dominant Wedderburn when semi-finals are played on Saturday.

In their three meetings this season, Wedderburn has easily had the wood on Arnold.

From Isaac Holt’s stirring 75 with the bat in round 10 to Adam Postle’s three wickets in round 10 and the all-round bowling attack last Saturday, Wedderburn has shown every intent in denying the Redbacks any hope of defending their title.

Redbacks’ skipper Cam Dale has continued to lead by exam- ple despite still recovering from an off-season injury. He has support but depth has regularly been at the root of Arnold falling short this season.

Wedderburn has the greater hunger to finally claim a flag after watching from the sidelines last March when Arnold knocked off Boort Yando and being well placed against Bridgewater the previous season when rain washed out play in the grand final.

Bridgewater goes into its semifinal against Kingower with a good record this season.

When the two met for the first time last year, Bulls’ skipper Harry McKinley had a good knock of 42 and brother Tom took five wickets for the day and helped their side to victory.

The second meeting in round 14 had the Bulls equally on top and Harry scoring one of the season’s highest scores, hitting 110 runs.

When they met a fortnight ago, Kingower turned the tables thanks to a four-wicket haul by Kyle Simpson.

But fortune was not all Kingower’s way with Tom McKinley having a good day with 40 off the bat.

Player availability could be the key for both teams in their semi. Whether Kingower skipper Braydon Welsh takes the field after his recent football training injury scare could determine Kingower’s fortunes. And if he does, will it be as big hitting with the bat or stretching to run between wickets?

Bridgewater may be without Jay Bowen who has been returning some handy results with the ball, particularly since play resumed after the Christmas break.

The Bulls have probably been the most improved side of the season, overcoming a lacklustre start.

They have demonstrated capacity to beat Kingower and a bit like Wedderburn, have a thirst to be part of the grand final action on March 18.