THE final round of the Tamworth District Cricket competition will wrap-up today after rain stopped play in all but one game last week.
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The finalists are already decided with Souths meeting Old Boys last night in the one day final before clashing again next week in the two day major semi.
Old Boys have finished on top of both ladders after a very strong finish to the season.
Despite Souths already being in the final, fifth placed City have them on the ropes after Dan Lawrence went through the top order last week taking 5-21.
Rain washed out the game at first drinks but the damage had already been done.
Souths will take to the crease again today at 7-47, hoping to dig themselves out of a hole.
“Yeah, we are in a bit of trouble,” captain Nick Leyden said.
“Col (Smyth) still has to bat and you never know with him,
“We could still be all right.”
South’s do have the bowling attack to defend a low score, but the captain will want the tail to wag, and wag hard.
City United captain Peter Mead who led the PSSA side to a well earned seventh place at the State Carnival during the week is confident he has the team and momentum to upset Souths.
“Dan (Lawrence) deserved those wickets last week with some excellent line and length bowling,” Mead said.
“We have to get those final three wickets quickly and take the first innings points.”
“It has been a long season and knocking off the second ranked side would be a great way to finish.”
“We are in a good position to do that and I have confidence we can pull the trigger and get it done.”
It looks like it could be a short affair at Chaffey Park after Old Boys and Wests played on after the rain went through last week.
After bowling them out for 61, and then declaring 58 runs ahead, Old Boys now have the cellar dwellers at 7-58, 10 runs ahead in the second innings.
Aaron Hazlewood did the damage with bat and ball taking five wickets in the first innings before hitting a quick 64 runs at opener.
Bective will be chasing early wickets at No. 1 today after Norths finished at 1-66 last week when rain halted play.
The two day semi finals will be played between Old Boys and Souths at No.1 next Saturday and Sunday, while Norths and Bective will meet again in the minor semi at Riverside 2.
Narrabri and Gunnedah are also playing the final round of their seasons on Saturday, after also being washed out last week.