Cricket: Manypeaks look threatened

North County has a golden opportunity to move inside the top two before the Christmas break when they take on an undermanned Manypeaks on Saturday.

The reigning premiers have been inconsistent this season but will more than likely leap frog the second-placed Manypeaks if they can break the black and gold’s six-game winning streak.

Peaks will be missing all-rounders Don Monley and Brad Davidson, leg-spinner Iven Manning and keeper-batsman Bryce Durack, while the Bulldogs’ chances will be boosted by the return of gun batsman Lee Sounness and leg-spinner Gary McGlade.

North County captain Craig Tonkin said a victory would add respectability to their start to the season.

“If we win it makes us 6-2 and it would be a good way to finish off the year,” Tonkin said.

“We have been pretty spasmodic and our top five batters have scored big runs, but we haven’t all clicked together yet. We will need to get a big score because our fielding and bowling hasn’t been up to it.”

Peaks captain Ryan Kinnear said it was disappointing the league did not introduce a general bye to coincide with the Ashes Test match at the WACA this weekend.

“Nine out of our 12 players are going to the match at some stage and it is not ideal and it is pretty disappointing that we have to play this weekend,” he said.

“It will really test our depth, but we have experienced guys and hopefully the young boys can continue to stand up.”

Collingwood Park will welcome back Craig Doncon for their clash with the top of the table Tigers, while gun all-rounder Tim Pyle is unavailable. Park captain Russell Hare said his side were overdue for a win against one of the top teams.

“We have obviously come close to the top teams on a number of occasions and we would like to steal a win,” he said. The Tigers are expected to field a similar side, with the holidaying Sam Newbury set to miss the clash again.

Denmark will be looking to capitalise on their improved form this season when they take on an out-of-sorts Royals. The clash is shaping up to be crucial for both sides, with the Magpies looking to record their first win in two seasons, while the Lions will be looking to keep in touch with the top four.