BDCA round five preview – Goers eye off five on the trot

Bendigo (4-0) – not since 2000-01 have the Goers gone into a round five game with a perfect 4-0 record.

But they do this season as they remain the only unbeaten team, having already defeated Huntly-North Epsom, Bendigo United, Kangaroo Flat and White Hills.

Had a good spread of contributors with the ball so far, with Alex Pearson and spinners Tom Hart and Kyle Humphrys all having taking nine wickets apiece.

Strathdale (2-2) – have been in brilliant form with the bat the past three games with a trio of scores of 8-312, 8-388 and 317 – albeit their 312 last round wasn’t enough to beat Sandhurst.

No doubt new Suns’ batsman Mitch Blackman will be keen for a big showing against his former club.

Last time: Bendigo 9-240 d Strathdale 238.

Since 2000: Strathdale 22; Bendigo 3.

Tip: Strathdale.

Bendigo United (1-3) – no Leigh McDermott (ankle) again in a blow for the Redbacks, who were made to look pedestrian with the ball by Eaglehawk last week when they conceded 404.

The lack of experience in the Redbacks’ bowling line-up leaves a heavy burden for Miggy Pdosky to carry.

Golden Square (3-1) – Square will be determined to ensure club stalwart Scott Johnson has a 300^th game to remember. The 41-year-old becomes the first Square player to reach the milestone.

The game will be also the first for captain Ben Gunn against his former club since departing the Redbacks after last season.

Gunn is yet to get going this season with scores of 3, 10 and 34, but perhaps the clash against his old side will bring out the best in him.

RELATED – SCOTT JOHNSON TO PLAY GAME 300

Last time: Golden Square 5-185 d Bendigo United 9-179.

Since 2000: Bendigo United 20; Golden Square 8.

Tip: Golden Square.

Huntly-North Epsom (1-3) – the Power will be desperate for a vastly improved batting performance following a scoreline reminiscent of their dark days of yesteryear when they were skittled for just 52 by Kangaroo Flat last week.

The Power would want to bank six points in this game given their following three matches feature back-to-back battles against Strathdale-Maristians, plus a clash with Sandhurst.

White Hills (2-2) – a somewhat depleted Demons’ line-up that is missing Gavin Bowles, Tom Dunham, Josh Julius and Corey Dickins, which has created an opportunity for Jakob O’Neil to make his debut.

Given his importance to the side with the bat, the simple question is can the Demons win without Bowles?

Last time: White Hills 4-208 d Huntly-North Epsom 8-201.

Since 2000: White Hills 16; Huntly-North Epsom 7.

Tip: Huntly-North Epsom.

Kangaroo Flat (2-2) – the Roos will hit the QEO with renewed confidence after outplaying Huntly-North Epsom with bat and ball last round to get their ledger back to 2-2.

And now they regain Adam Burns to further strengthen the team.

Eaglehawk (1-3) – after a 0-3 start to the season, last round’s demolition of Bendigo United would seem to indicate the BDCA’s sleeping giant has awoken.

Veteran Andrew Smith is back in the side and needing just one more wicket to take his Hawks’ tally to 300, while Jeremy Brown is back in fine touch following 215 off just 131 balls last week.

Last time: Eaglehawk 8-281 d Kangaroo Flat 8-220.

Since 2000: Eaglehawk 11; Kangaroo Flat 8.

Tip: Eaglehawk.

Sandhurst (3-1) – gutsy win over Strathdale last week when they answered 312 with 9-370, highlighting the depth of the Dragons batting this season.

Now have Nayana Palamandadidge, captain Craig Howard, Ash Gray, Sam de Silva and Todd Murphy who have all made scores above 50 in the first four rounds, but haven’t had a player yet go on to notch a ton.

Strathfieldsaye (1-3) – three losses in a row for the Jets, who after a positive start with a win over Bendigo United in round one have dropped off, particularly with the ball where they have taken just 17 wickets and conceded 945 runs in their past three games.

Last time: Sandhurst 2-142 d Strathfieldsaye 8-141.

Since 2000: Strathfieldsaye 14; Sandhurst 10.

Tip: Sandhurst.