THE Bendigo District Cricket Association is set for a thrilling climax when the final round gets under way this Saturday.
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Throughout the BDCA's three senior grades and under-17s, it's only the second XI where the top four looks locked in.
The first XI ladder has been one of intrigue all season as six teams jostle for the four finals positions.
Heading into the last round, only one team is guaranteed a finals berth - the undefeated Golden Square, which sits 27 points clear of second-placed Strathdale-Maristians.
However, second to sixth on the ladder remains separated by just one game between the Suns (45 points), Bendigo United (45), Eaglehawk (45), White Hills (45) - which hasn't played finals since 1999 - and Huntly-North Epsom (39).
Of those teams, Strathdale-Maristians - the three-time defending premiers - has the hardest final-round match when it plays Golden Square at MyJet Oval, but it does have the best percentage of the five sides with 1.51.
Bendigo United (v Bendigo), Eaglehawk (v Strathfieldsaye), White Hills (v Kangaroo Flat) and Huntly-North Epsom (v Sandhurst) will all start favourites in their round 13 games.
In the second XI, the top four is unlikely to change, with fourth-placed White Hills seven points clear of the fifth-placed Sandhurst.
Like the first XI, White Hills have also had a long absence from the second XI finals.
The Demons last played second XI finals in 2001 when they lost the grand final to Bendigo by six wickets.
The third XI and under-17 ladders are similar to the first XI, with only six points separating second to sixth, ensuring the fight for the finals in those competitions will also go right down to the wire.
• Round 13 BDCA games:
Bendigo United v Bendigo; Eaglehawk v Strathfieldsaye; Kangaroo Flat v White Hills; Huntly-North Epsom v Sandhurst; Golden Square v Strathdale-Maristians.
