The EVCA returns to two-day action for round nine.

The Rangas - who have played in the past three grand finals - are 4-4 and sit in sixth position, two games outside the top four.

However, they are starting to build momentum, with wins over Marong and Golden Gully in their past two games to keep their finals hopes flickering, although, they have little room for error.

Reigning premier Emu Creek - one of four teams with a 6-2 record - got its season back on track last week with a comprehensive 58-run win over United in what was an even team performance.

Last time: Emu Creek 9-216 d Mandurang 6-208.

• Like Mandurang, Golden Gully is also battling to keep in sight of the top four.

The Cobras are fifth on the ladder with a 4-4 record, and will start warm favourites at Evolution Oval when they face Maiden Gully. 

The Cobras were too good for Spring Gully last week, while bottom-of-the-ladder Maiden Gully suffered its seventh loss of the season with a 49-run defeat against Sedgwick.

Last time: Golden Gully 6-203 d Maiden Gully 143.

• West Bendigo will be determined to consolidate top position on the ladder when it takes on Spring Gully at OTH Oval.

The Redbacks - who have the competition's leading run-scorer Matt Dwyer coming off an unbeaten 128 - have won their past four games.

Spring Gully has dropped its past two games to Golden Gully and United, during which it has been bowled out for scores of 150 and 153.

Last time: Spring Gully 171 & 5-143 d West Bendigo 141.

United will be on the rebound from its second loss of the season when it clashes with Sedgwick at Club Court.

United lost top spot with its defeat at the hands of Emu Creek last week, while Sedgwick is coming off a win over Maiden Gully - its second of the season.

Last time: United 6-358 d Sedgwick 196.

• Third-placed Marong is at home to the battling Axe Creek at Marong Links Oval and will be keen to bounce back from last week's 39-run defeat to Mandurang.

Last time: Marong 234 d Axe Creek 145.