Last time: Bendigo United 5-223 d Bendigo 102.

Since 2000: Bendigo United 13; Bendigo 4; Tied 1.

BENDIGO UNITED - how will the Redbacks respond to their worst batting performance in five years?

The Redbacks were bundled out for just 128 in a loss to Kangaroo Flat last week that cost them top spot.

Among the changes to the side is the inclusion of young bowler Jack Bouwmeester for his debut first XI game, while another youngster in Riley Treloar is back in the ones after scoring 94 in the seconds last round.

No coach Marcus Smalley in the side after he dislocated his shoulder last round and is facing a stint on the sidelines.

• Runs - Heath Behrens (367); Ben Gunn (344); Leigh McDermott (211). Wickets - Miggy Podosky (23); Nick Crawford (19).

BENDIGO - they aren’t in the top four, but the Goers are one of the hottest teams in the competition, having won their past four games.

It’s the Goers’ best winning streak for 14 years.

Having struggled with the ball early in the season when they conceded three 300-plus scores in their first five games, the Goers have since  bowled their opposition out in each of their four wins, with the highest score against them being 206.

• Runs - Nathan Fitzpatrick (288); Mark Ryan (229); Kyle Chant (209). Wickets - Alex Pearson (16); Nathan Fitzpatrick (16).

EAGLEHAWK v WHITE HILLS - 1pm at Canterbury Park.

Last time: Eaglehawk 1-185 d White Hills 7-181.

Since 2000: Eaglehawk 12; White Hills 4.

EAGLEHAWK - the most vulnerable of the top four teams on the back of two losses in a row.

The Hawks are now just percentage inside the top four, with Bendigo hot on their heels.

They haven’t made more than 173 in their past three games as their batting continues to frustrate, as it has for much of the season.

Massive inclusion into the side with Shaun Knott (17 wickets) returning after missing the past two games.

• Runs - Matt Fitt (301); Jason Abbott (252); Anthony West (224). Wickets - Richard Tibbett (17); Shaun Knott (17).

WHITE HILLS - the Demons haven’t beaten a top-four side yet this season and will be keen to show much more than they did against Eaglehawk in round one when they lost by nine wickets.

The Demons are ranked last for batting, were bundled out for just 131 last round against Golden Square, and now must contend with one of the BDCA’s premier bowling line-ups.

• Runs - Brayden Stepien (393); Gavin Bowles (346); Mitch Winter-Irving (334). Wickets - Mitch Winter-Irving (17); Rhys Irwin (13).

GOLDEN SQUARE v STRATHFIELDSAYE - 1pm at MyJet Oval.

Last time: Golden Square 7-240 d Strathfieldsaye 7-179.

Since 2000: G. Square 14; Strathfieldsaye 2.

GOLDEN SQUARE - has Square finally turned the corner?

After losing four in a row, Square moved back within one game of the top four after belting White Hills by 129 runs last week.

Scott Woodman helped spark Square against the Demons, bagging 5-18 after missing the previous four games.

And with captain Tim Wood having a game under his belt as well after also missing four, they are a team to watch.

• Runs - Scott Johnson (377); Liam Smith (159); Jason Johnson (157). Wickets - Scott Woodman (20); Liam Smith (12); Jamie Bysouth (12).

STRATHFIELDSAYE - escaped with a valuable three points in a tie with Huntly-North Epsom last week that moved the Jets to third on the ladder.

But this game will test the Jets as they take on an opponent they have beaten just twice in the past 15 years.

Captain Ben Devanny (95 n.o. & 8-51 last round) continues to dominate with bat and ball, but he can’t do it all by himself every game.

• Runs - Ben Devanny (602); Greg Lyon (293); Luke Jones (249). Wickets - Ben Devanny (26); Cory Devanny (20).

HUNTLY-NORTH EPSOM v STRATHDALE-MARISTIANS - 1pm at Poyser Motors Oval.

Last time: Huntly-North Epsom 7-189 d Strathdale-Maristians 142.

Since 2000: Strathdale 15; Huntly-North 1.

HUNTLY-NORTH EPSOM - still a glimmer of hope that the Power can push for a finals berth, although, plenty will need to go right.

They are nine points outside the after four a tie with Strathfieldsaye.

Will start underdogs against Strathdale-Maristians, but the Power did upset the Suns in the opening round in a one-day match.

Can’t afford any lapses with bat or ball if they are to repeat the dose.

• Runs - Adam Ward (397); Josh Collinson (251); Michael Hanson (187).Wickets - Adam Ward (25); Dylan Gibson (13).

STRATHDALE-MARISTIANS - the Suns won their sixth game in a row last week and have now grabbed top spot.

The Suns will have their round one loss to the Power in the back of their minds and will have an extra spring in their step to ensure it doesn’t happen again.

Nick Baker continues to impress, with three scores above 60 in his past five hits. Where was that form last season?

• Runs - Cameron Taylor (385); Nick Baker (353); Ben DeAraugo (305). Wickets - Cameron Taylor (19); Ben DeAraugo (13).

KANGAROO FLAT v SANDHURST - 1pm at N8Health Oval.

Last time: Sandhurst 192 d Kangaroo Flat 167.

Since 2000: Kangaroo Flat 11; Sandhurst 8.

KANGAROO FLAT - the Roos have won back-to-back games just three times in the past five years.

They get their chance at consecutive wins this round when they take on bottom side Sandhurst.

And considering they beat their long-time nemesis Bendigo United - which had been sitting on top of the ladder - last round, they’d be bitterly disappointed if they can’t follow it up with another win over the Dragons on their home ground.

• Runs - Brent Hamblin (288); Adam Burns (287); Daniel Barber (177). Wickets - Adam Burns (28); Brent Hamblin (19).

SANDHURST - seven losses in a row now for the Dragons after yet another competitive performance last round against Strathdale-Maristians, without being able to finish the job.

Lucas Hutchinson and captain Craig Howard each have three half-centuries in their past five games, while leg-spinner Liam Bowe has taken 13 wickets his past three matches.

• Runs - Craig Howard (380); Lucas Hutchinson (270); Shane Robinson (244). Wickets - Craig Howard (24); Liam Bowe (24).