The BDCA board decided earlier this week that White Hills would take over from Eaglehawk as the grand final host.

“It was a line-ball decision,” BDCA president Wayne Walsh said yesterday.

“We inspected the wicket tables at all our grounds and we believe White Hills is best equipped for the grand final.

“The White Hills wicket gives new-ball bowlers some assistance and gives batsmen value for shots. The upgrade of facilities at White Hills in the past year or so is also a bonus.”

Eaglehawk will host the second XI final, the third XI decider will be at Weeroona Oval, and the under-17 teams will play at the QEO.

“We would love to see the first XI grand final played at the QEO, but the wicket table would not be conjucive to pace bowling and we’d probably see a situation where it would be a spinners wicket,” Walsh said.

“I don’t think the cricket community would like to see a grand final decided by a spinner bowling 30 overs.

“We want the grand final played on a wicket that gives everyone a chance.”

Walsh confirmed the teams that finish first and second on the ladder will be given the chance to play their semi-final matches at their home grounds.

Going into this week’s final round, Golden Square and Strathdale-Maristians are well-

placed to top the ladder.

Because Golden Square’s ground will be out of action for the rest of the summer, the Bulldogs will have the choice of playing their semi-final at North Bendigo or allow the BDCA board to choose a ground.