CWC lead, Playoffs at stake at Five Demands Cricket Ground
Winton CC travel to Free HK's Five Demands Cricket Ground later today in a huge match for both sides as they chase the playoffs and the top of the table respectively.
Today represents the first of 3 matches against the current top-6 for Free HK in a tough run-in with trips to Zora*x CC and Jura CC on the horizon. Such a run-in makes today's game a key one for Free HK who will seek to overhaul Dynamo Morpork who currently lead CWC by a single bonus point. 1 defeat in 12 has seen Free HK overcome an initial stumble which saw defeats against Dynamo Morpork and a surprise loss away at Ashgrove Astronauts leave them with 2 defeats in their first 6 matches. They will be hoping fast bowler Joshua Wong, capable of easily exceeding speeds of 90mph can continue the form that has seen them be the leading wicket taker of the CWC so far.
For visitors Winton CC its been a welcome return to form with 3 CWC wins in a row re-igniting their fading playoff hopes and they will hope to keep their playoff chances just about in their own hands by beating a Free HK side who have been in imperious form. Winton CC will have a lot of hopes resting on Jacob Jennings to continue his prolific run-scoring in the CWC after 291 runs in the last 7 CWC innings. Following the sale of 5th top-wicket taker and most economical bowler in the CWC Adam Simons, Winton CC will be hoping others can step up with an improved bowling effort this afternoon.
A look around the grounds
Elsewhere, in the CWC this afternoon, leaders Dynamo Morpork will be hoping to reinforce their title credentials as they host an improving Moo side with 3 wins in their last 4 including eyecatching wins v GG CC and Zora*x CC. Dynamo's 3 defeats have all come in their last 9 matches but they know bonus point wins in their 4 remaining games will see them win the group phase of the CWC
Meanwhile, Dynamo Schmaltzberg will be hoping they can continue a run of positive form of their own as they travel to GG CC later today. Dynamo Schmaltzberg have won 3 of their last 4 to climb off the bottom of the table, meanwhile GG CC comfortably placed in 4th will be hoping to re-find the form that saw them win 6 in a row - their winning streak ending last week at Moo.
In a keenly awaited bottom-half clash between The Merry Orangutans and Ashgrove Astronauts pride is at stake with both sides knowing a win could see them rise up the table. Bottom-placed The Merry Orangutans have 3 games against the top-7 to follow so today's game may represent the best opportunity to climb off the bottom of the table. Meanwhile, the out-of-form Ashgrove Astronauts will seek to resurrect some of the form that provided early optimisim of a potential playoff push. They will seek to get their first win in 9 CWC games later today.
Jura CC host Ataraxia in a game that has the potential to be the match of the round as Jura CC seek a win that could confirm 3rd spot if things go their way. Jura CC won away at Ashgrove Astronauts to return to form after consecutive losses and are up against an Ataraxia side with plenty to play for as they seek the final playoff spot with 4 games to go. A nightmare run of games has seen form for Ataraxia deteriorate finding just 2 wins from 6 as they face their 6th game in 7 against a top-6 side. However, with 3 of the bottom 5 to play after this Ataraxia remain decently-placed.
Lastly, Zora*x CC travel to Honest Hunks as Zora*x CC seek to keep up slim hopes of a 3rd placed finish. With a game against Jura still to play, Zora*x know a victory here, coupled with defeat for Jura at home to Ataraxia would throw the race for 3rd wide open. Disappointing defeats for Zora*x CC against playoff hopefuls Moo, Ataraxia and Winton leaves Zora*x CC with 1 win in 4. They will hope to return to winning ways against a Honest Hunks side winless in 7.