TODAY marks the start of a new Ballarat Cricket Association finals chase, complete with four top contenders in the club firsts who have each tasted premiership glory in the past decade.
Wendouree is hunting back-to-back flags, looking to add its name to the firsts shield for the 16th time in its history.
The Red Caps have won the title twice this decade, 2003-04 and 2008-09, but are equally matched by rivals Mt Clear (2000-01 and 2007-08) and East Ballarat (2004-05 and 2005-06).
Each club featured in last summer's finals series.
Ballarat-Redan has spent two years in firsts finals wilderness since its 2006-07 premiership, its only firsts title in the past 10 years.
But it has been East Ballarat that has waited the longest between celebrations, last capturing the spotlight in 2006.
Mt Clear has been the most consistent contender, rarely missing firsts finals action in the past 12 years.
When stumps are pulled tomorrow evening, the BCA will be left with two worthy grand final contenders.
BCA FIRSTS SEMI-FINALS
today and tomorrow, from 12.30pm
*Wendouree v East Ballarat at Eastern Oval
*Mt Clear v Ballarat-Redan at City Oval
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