Bulldogs stand in Park’s way

Collingwood Park’s hopes of retaining their place in the Albany Cricket Association A-grade fin-als will hinge on the sheer volume of runs and wickets North County can muster against ladder leaders Railways in the final round this Saturday.

While a win to the Bulldogs will guarantee a return to finals action and leapfrog Park to clinch third spot in the new top-three finals system, their ability to post a competitive score with the bat and make inroads with the ball will decide their fate.

The Bulldogs are 2.09 percentage points behind Park, who has the bye, and will field one of the strongest teams for the final round clash. Brothers Michael and Matthew Ferreira are expected to return to the line-up after missing the Bulldogs’ win over Park, which moved them within striking distance of a finals place.

However, all-rounder and leading wicket taker Harry Broomhall will be unavailable in a major blow.

Bulldogs captain Graeme Weinert said despite his side’s indifferent form this season, they had shown they could match it with the minor premiers and were eager to return to finals action after missing last season.

“We have just got to get it into our mind that we just need to play our normal game and get as many runs and wickets as we can,” he said.

“It has been one of those years when if we had our best side on the park more, we would be in a different position.”

Park skipper Tim Pyle said his side remained hopeful of retaining third spot.

“We missed our chance when we lost to them so really we only have ourselves to blame,” he said.

“We are disappointed as we think we are good enough but we just haven’t proved it.”

Manypeaks, who have already qualified for the preliminary final, take on Denmark in the other final round fixture.