Huge clash awaits before Christmas break

Ned Cooper is congratulated by Brett Venables for bringing up a century. (Justin Flynn)

The final round of the year gets underway tomorrow with some important Bellarine Peninsula Cricket Association games to be played in A1 Grade.

No doubt the match of the round will be fought out at Bob Pettit Reserve where Jan Juc hosts Anglesea.

Anglesea sits unbeaten on top of the ladder, but Jan Juc, which is third, will be quietly confident.

The Sharks have two players in the top 10 runmakers this season, while Anglesea has three.

Anglesea’s new opening pair of Ned Cooper and Tyron Norman have partnerships of 32, 42, 139 and 113 so far, laying the platform for the likes of Brett Harding to capitalise with an older ball.

Ben Grinter (285 runs at 71.25) and Brad Roberts (155 at 51.67) have been propelling the Sharks to decent scores.

Barrabool must beat Ocean Grove.

There is no other option for the Bulls, who are the surprise packets of the season for all the wrong reasons.

They sit winless on the bottom of the ladder. Kane Pickering has been ultra consistent so far without going big. He has made 20, 37, 54, 14 and 37 and it’s only a matter of time until he kicks on with a huge score.

Ocean Grove is playing well and will be eyeing off securing a spot in the four before the break.

Queenscliff sits in second spot and meets Collendina tomorrow.

Tim Frankenburg has 169 runs at 56.33 for the Coutas. The Cobras haven’t reached triple figures with the bat so far and will be keen to bat their full 40 overs.

An ailing St Leonards hosts Inverleigh and must get more from its top order.

All out for 50 against Collendina and then 8-22 last week before Cam Egan saved the day, the Saints can’t afford a lapse in concentration against an Inverleigh side that is capable of a big performance.

In A2 Grade, Barwon Heads hosts Drysdale in the game of the round.

Top side Drysdale has been consistent with Bailey Sykes taking 16 wickets so far while Jack Johnstone has 11 for the Seagulls.

Portarlington should be able to consolidate its spot in the four when it meets a winless Newcomb.

Armstrong Creek and Wallington will fight it out in what should be an even match while Winchelsea hosts Little River.