Corrimal are unbeaten in the Illawarra premiership but a top two finals spot is not secure with Saturday’s away clash with Helensburgh one of the critical games of the season.
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The Burgh haven’t played a premiership game for three weeks with three straight wet Saturdays, while Corrimal were frustrated by a washout and only three points for a draw away to bottom side Port Kembla in round nine.
The Cougars only losses all season have been in the Twenty20 format, but they hold just a six point lead over third-placed Burgh, with both clubs and Keira (2nd, 50 points) chasing a top two finish and rain insurance for the semi-finals.
The stormy January was evidence how fickle Illawarra cricket can become and if rain is a factor in the finals a top two finish is a huge advantage.
Two seasons ago Keira won the premiership with a draw and on Saturday, Corrimal and the Burgh can take a massive step towards finishing top two with a victory at Rex Jackson Oval.
Meanwhile, fourth-placed Balgownie were the only team to win in round nine and earned some breathing room, with Dapto (fifth) and University (sixth) frustrated by contrasting draws.
Balgownie new ball bowler Jason Bunyan took 8/22 at Judy Masters Oval against Wests Illawarra to win the Carlton Mid Regional Player of the Round for the top individual performance in NSW country cricket last week.
Bunyan’s brilliant spell helped the Magpies thrash Wests, before lightening ended their audacious bid for an outright win.
Uni and Northern Districts were the only other clubs to play in round nine, with Uni’s Andrew Page hammering his third ton of the season with a brilliant 164.
Uni recovered from 6/31 to make 9/277 and were within a wicket of victory with T20 champs Norths finishing 9/277.
Both teams only collected three points which didn’t help their semi-finals hopes.
Uni host Keira on Saturday in a must-win game for the Students with only three more rounds before the semi-finals.
Dapto are away to Wests Illawarra at Figtree Oval, with the young Wests outfit struggling after being dismissed for 55 on a wet deck against Bally.
In the other matches, Wollongong and Port Kembla meet in a clash which is likely to decide the wooden spoon, while Northern Districts host Balgownie on what is proving an excellent batting deck at Hollymount Park.
Ladder: Corrimal 51, Keira 50, Helensburgh 45, Balgownie 42, Dapto 34, Uni 32, Northern Districts 31, Wests 26, Wollongong 15, Port Kembla 12.
