It’s becoming a logjam at the top of the ladder in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association’s senior division.
Only seven points separate the top seven teams with two and a half rounds remaining, meaning any loss now could prove costly.
At the bottom of the top seven is Tullamarine.
Until the previous round Tulla was in the top four but now has to find a way back up the ladder.
Coach Nick Zajac said every game now would be like playing for double points.
“We have to play some of the other contenders, Yarraville Club and Doutta Stars, in the run home,” he said.
“We want to play finals and the final tick of the season is making the top four. “
Tullamarine has another motivation to win as many games as possible in the run home.
“At the start of the season we were told the bottom team from the north [side of the city] would be relegated,” Zajac said.
“I don’t think they thought there would be four teams from the south [side] in the bottom four spots.
“We’re just focusing on trying to make finals, not on relegation.”
Tullamarine look set to add another win to its tally on Saturday, the second day of the match against McKinnon.
After bowling out McKinnon for 114, Tullamarine reached 7-109 by stumps.
For more pictures of Tullamarine in action on Saturday, CLICK HERE
Adam Carton was 15 not out and Tobias Lewis was on seven.
“It was a pretty good day and would have been good to get the runs needed,” Zajac said.
“But we didn’t quite get there.
“Hopefully, we get them quickly on day two and see what happens after that.”
David Zahorodni was the pick of the Tulla bowlers with four wickets, with Carton and Marc Lezar taking two each.
Zajac said the side may chase an outright victory.
“It is an option for us,” he said. “We’ll see how it pans out.
“We don’t want to put pressure on ourselves saying we’ll go for.”
Greenvale Kangaroos are also on the way to victory against Bentleigh.
Needing 161 for victory, the Kangaroos are 1-60 in reply.
Tarek Moughanie will resume on 45 not out.
In other matches, Craigieburn has already claimed first-innings points against Avondale Heights in North A1.
Only three bowlers were needed as Craigieburn bowled out Avondale Heights for just 56, Daniel English taking an impressive 6-36.
In reply, Craigieburn made 6-123 before sending Avondale Heights back in.
They will resume at 3-76.
St Francis de Sales will resume at 9-147 against Jacana, while Westmeadows had the worst possible start against Aberfeldie, losing an early wicket after needing 291 for victory.
They are 1-0.
