ALTONA is playing its cards close to its chest ahead of this weekend’s Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association qualifying final against Balwyn on the road at Balwyn Park.
The A’s are contemplating whether to add an extra batsman to their line-up for a ground that’s historically batsman-friendly with a flat deck.
“It’s something we’ll talk about on Thursday night, but it’s hard to say at this stage,” A’s captain John Varchione said. “I’d prefer if the top order did the job anyway.”
The A’s have the luxury of a full squad to choose from for the finals.
A handful of second XI players will also be on standby in case of injury. The A’s’ greatest concern is their flip-flop formline during the past month.
They were particularly poor in a shock penultimate-round loss to wooden spooners Yarraville and lost to Balwyn in that time.
The opening week of the sub-district finals is not cut-throat. The winners of the three qualifying finals will advance with the highest-ranked loser.
The A’s, as the fourth-ranked finalist, could advance with a loss, but if they play with fire, they could get burnt.
“I’d expect [top two] Melton and Kew to win their games,” Varchione said of the only equation that would see the A’s advance with a loss.
“The only way to be safe is to win your own game.” – Lance Jenkinson
VSDCA FINALS
Firsts: Melton v Broadmeadows (McPherson Park), Kew v Plenty Valley (Victoria Park), Balwyn v Altona (Balwyn Park)
Seconds: Melton v Plenty Valley (AK Line Reserve), Ivanhoe v Kew (Ivanhoe Park), Werribee v Yarraville (Chirnside Park)
Thirds: Brunswick v Balwyn (Raeburn Reserve), Altona v Melton (Frank Kirk Oval), Plenty Valley v Werribee (TBA)
Fourths: Plenty Valley v Melton (McPherson Park), Kew v Yarraville (Victoria Park), Coburg v Altona (Campbell Reserve)
