SNAKES ALIVE

Harrismith have strengthened their chances of playing finals in the Upper Great Southern Cricket Association, defeating fourth-placed Towns and moving level with them on points, with one round remaining in the regular season. In a rain-affected round 13 of UGSCA, Harrismith secured victory with just five balls left under the Duckworth-Lewis method. Towns had 37 overs to bat due to rain, posting 5-150, before more rain at the interval between innings reduced Harrismith’s overs to 30 and the score was revised to 122 to win. Harrismith were able to scrape home, finishing their innings on 7-125 with five balls remaining. Caen Taylor set up the victory with his 66 off 84. He came to the crease with his side in trouble at 2-3 but he was able to get his side insight of victory, departing at 6-117. Matthew Orchard was trapped in front for 11 to leave the game in the balance at 7-118 with just under two overs left needing four runs to win. Wade Angwin and Adam Gray got their side over the line. Earlier, Towns posted 5-150 with some middle-order power hitting after they fell into early trouble at 3-8. No.4 Kendal Ballard made 43 before Ben Mcmillan (34) and Liam Sweeney (34) pushed their side to a decent total. Heading into the last round, Harrismith sit in fifth but on the same points total as Towns, who have a bye in the last round. Cuballing were able to lock away a top-four spot after their match against Dumbleyung was abandoned after Dumbleyung’s batting innings was completed, the two sides sharing the points. Wandering secured a top-two spot after Williams forfeited their round 13 clash. Pingelly-Noonebin had a bye on the weekend but still remain 12 points clear in top spot heading into the final round.