Nobody could have scripted a more dramatic final round finish in the South Coast Premier League season with three clubs chasing a semi-final spot and one almost certain to be relegated.
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Fourth-placed Kookas, Albion Park (fifth) and bottom side Shellharbour have all won just one game all season but remarkably can still finish in the semi-finals in a season in which the top three clubs have dominated.
Kookas have their fate in their own hands and despite their lone win coming on the opening day of the season last October know that an upset victory over minor premiers Lake Illawarra on Saturday would secure fourth spot and a meeting with the Lakers in the semi-finals.
Kookas are coming off a rained-out draw against Shellharbour and despite struggling all season they have enough class batsmen to test the Lakers.
A victory would be a major upset but Kookas are fortunate knowing a loss won’t leave them facing relegation with Albion Park hosting Shellharbour in the match of the season for both clubs.
For the reigning premiers Albion Park and Shellharbour the scenario is simple: win and they will finish fourth if Lakers beat Kookas, but a loss would have them relegated should either South Coast First Grade minor premiers The Rail or Gerringong win next month’s grand final.
The Park are coming off a first innings loss to Kiama in which losing the toss and having to bat first on day one on a damp wicket was a key factor in the result according to Eagles skipper Adam Coughlan.
The Park finished 5-80 in an encouraging batting effort on day two last Saturday.
Shellharbour skipper Todd Cordes also sees positives in his side dismissing Kookas for 144 and in reply being 2-63 in their rain-marred round nine clash.
‘‘We’re a young side but there were some good signs against Kookas. Now we have to play like that against the Park,’’ Cordes said.
In the other final round match, second-placed Oak Flats take on third-placed Kiama with the clubs to almost certainly meet in the semi-finals.
Despite the match having little at stake both teams will want a win and some confidence into their key players ahead of the likely semi showdown.
Ladder: Lake Illawarra 129, Oak Flats 111, Kiama 97, Kookas 47, Albion Park 42, Shellharbour 38.
