HIGH scores, big runs, and even a tie, the last round of the Ballarat Cricket Association firsts had it all and an intriguing round of qualifying finals awaits.
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Wendouree, so lauded for its batting this year, overcame a slow start against East Ballarat, so slow in fact, at one stage it was 6-50, but it managed to pull a rabbit out of its hat in securing the win and top spot on the ladder.
While East and Wendouree already knew their finals fate, guaranteed a spot next week, for Golden Point a win was crucial if it was to secure a berth next week. A high-scoring 16-run win over North Ballarat was exactly what it needed, sending it to fifth and leaving North facing the daunting task of meeting Wendouree next week.
Ballarat-Redan already knew its fate before the final few overs against Brown Hill, but you wouldn't have known it as it came back from the dead, picking up four late wickets to secure a tie, but not enough points to slip into the finals.
Darley's batting faltered, but it's bowlers smashed through Mount Clear's line-up, dismissing the Mounties for just 73. Those two sides will now clash in what could be a knock-out clash in the qualifying final round.
The only safe team next week is Wendouree. Even a loss to sixth placed North Ballarat will mean it still stays alive as the top loser. But other matches including East Ballarat versus Golden Point and a re-match between Darley and Mount Clear could see the loser depart the season.
