Premier Cricket 2018-19: Camberwell Magpies to meet Fitzroy Doncaster in first week of finals

Camberwell Magpies will look to expose an out of sorts Fitzroy Doncaster top six when the two sides meet in this weekend’s Premier Cricket elimination final.

Oli Gunning cracks a cut shot. Picture:Andy Brownbill

Camberwell Magpies will look to expose an out-of-sorts Fitzroy Doncaster top six when the sides meet in this weekend’s Premier Cricket elimination final.

Camberwell held on to its place in the top eight by the edge of its bat after a series of results fell its way on Saturday.

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A win would have secured the Magpies a finals berth, but career-best figures from Carlton spinner Eddy O’Sullivan delivered the Blues a 105-run win and the minor premiership.

Chasing Carlton’s 260, Camberwell was bowled out for 155 thanks to O’Sullivan’s return of 7-35 from 23 overs.

It left the Magpies relying on Casey South Melbourne to stop Ringwood chasing down 9-287 and Prahran preventing Melbourne from securing an outright victory.

Both results went Camberwell’s way, with the Magpies finishing one point ahead of Casey South Melbourne to place it in an elimination final against Fitzroy Doncaster at Schramms Reserve this weekend.

In three of its past four games, Fitzroy Doncaster has been 6-100, 6-139 and 6-106 — and when the two sides met in Round 8, the Magpies had the Lions 6-80.

But Camberwell could be without captain Andrew Fekete and fellow fast bowler Dylan Hodge for the Saturday-Sunday clash.

Eddy O'Sullivan grabbed seven wickets on Saturday. Picture: David Smith

Fekete’s availability will hinge on his selection for Victoria’s Sheffield Shield clash against NSW starting on Tuesday.

Hodge will be monitored throughout the week as he recovers from a minor side strain suffered a on day one against Carlton.

“Obviously Fek’s in the 12-man squad … if he’s selected in that, obviously someone will step into his shoes but if he’s not selected he’ll be with us next weekend,” Camberwell coach Brad Loveluck said.

Fitzroy Doncaster has dropped four of its past five games to fall out of the top four for the first time this season, missing out on the double-chance position by one point.

Loveluck said his side’s bowling line-up had the ability restrict the Lions’ batsmen.

“It’s key to keep pressure on them throughout the innings,” he said.

“I think if we continue bowling the way we have been, we should be OK to restrict and then it’s just a matter of making sure we’re really disciplined with the stick for long periods of time.”