Crunch contests ahead for Park

Collingwood Park will look to cement their spot in the Albany Cricket Association A-grade standings this weekend as they play a crucial double-header against Railways and Manypeaks.

Park are sitting in fourth spot, behind North County in the top three.

However, they have a game in hand the Bulldogs, with whom Park are level on points.

Park will face Railways on Saturday and Peaks on Sunday, with both fixtures set to be played at home.

Despite the importance of this weekend’s games, heavy rain is expected on Friday and Saturday, which could force matches to be abandoned.

With five rounds of fixtures remaining, Park captain Tim Pyle said wins were vital at this stage of the season. “It’s getting to the point where we need to win games,” Pyle said. “We should be pushing for second spot, not trying to hold onto third.”

Pyle said last week’s loss to Manypeaks had put the team in a tight space.

“Definitely one game is a must win. We lost last week so we need to beat either of these two teams,” he said.

“We know we’re good enough.

“Manypeaks are a very well structured side, but if we perform, we can get the win.”

Peaks are one game and percentage behind Railways in top spot, but they could catapult themselves into the lead with two wins over the weekend.

Peaks coach Langley Angel said his side were looking to build on their form, having won their last six games.

“Our first aim is to cement second spot, but we’re focused on continued progression from the whole side,” he said.

Peaks claimed a 41-run win last week against Park, and Angel said his side would need to replicate that performance to keep their winning form. “They’re an evenly spread side through their batting and bowling so we’ll have to be at our best to beat them,” he said.

Peaks face North County on Saturday at Hard North.