Woodford's victory over Russells Creek seals WDCA's minor premiership

The Eels edged out second-placed Russells Creek by 43 runs in the Warrnambool and District Cricket Association's top grade on Saturday.

The win ensures they enter their final round match against reigning champions Brierly-Christ Church a game clear on top.

Captain Nick Butters (3-16) and Bailey Jenkinson (3-18) did the damage with the ball, helping restrict the Creekers to 72 after the Eels were bowled out for 115.

"We are pretty stocked as it was a hard fought game," Butters said of the win and securing top spot.

"Creek bowled well and it was good to be able to restrict them to 70-odd, which is a good result in the end.

"Both teams bowled really well and the outfield was super slow because of dead grass.

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"A score around 120 felt like a score of 150 as boundaries were hard to come by even though the boundary was short square.

"I think it was two really good bowling attacks going at it. Both teams bowled and fielded well."

Butters said his side would look to address its batting, which has dipped in recent weeks.

"The last few games we have played we have just got over 100," he said.

"What was once one of our strengths is not quite a strength at the minute. We obviously back our guys in getting that back. We have had good starts but hopefully we can come good when we need to."

The goal next week is simple - "keep winning".

"At this stage we have got a few blokes who will be unavailable next week," Butters said.

"We will sit down Thursday and work out what a team looks like and a plan as you always want to be winning going into finals and Brierly are a good side so it would be nice to get a win.

"(The open spots) gives other guys a chance to press their case to be in the last 12 come semi-final weekend.

"Brierly is a good side. They have got guys like Mark Murphy and Matt Love who are good players and are a good challenge."

The rest of the top four is not set in stone just yet with second and third place still up for grabs.

Russells Creek and third-placed Brierly-Christ Church, who defeated Wesley-CBC by 36 runs, are equal on points.

Port Fairy, who beat Dennington by seven wickets on Saturday is just three points behind the pair. Creek plays the Dogs while the Pirates face Merrivale.

In the other games on Saturday West Warrnambool secured its sixth win of the season, defeating Allansford-Panmure by five wickets.

Jacob Hethrington's unbeaten ton was not enough to help Nestles as half-centuries to Theo Opperman (63 not out) Josh Stapleton (52) guided Merrivale to a six-wicket victory.

The penultimate round's matches were reduced to one-day games following the recent statewide coronavirus lockdown.

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