Round 6 - Stingrays v Crusaders at Fever Pitch (completed)

Stingrays v Crusaders

Dafter, Morgan*, Martyn, Fung†, Logan, Lee, Das, Rask, James, Cambridge, Ikram

Ames, Retzel, Heads, Miokovic, Warrington, Perry, Clough, Immanuel†, Ridd, Ritchie*, Wilson

As round six continues, we head to Fever Pitch as the Stingrays host the Crusaders. For the Stingrays, this is a crucial match. A loss will see them further cast adrift near the bottom of the table while a win would see them approach the chasing pack. The Crusaders on the other hand cannot afford to lose this game either; a loss would see them slide to 4th, potentially while a win will see them go a win clear at the top.

Despite the contrasting ladder positions, the pitch is set to play an important role in this game. Fever Pitch is known to advantage the tearaway quicks, while the slower seamers and spinners often toil to no avail. Given the balance of the Crusaders bowling attack, they're going to have to rely on Jonny Ridd heavily to counter the double threat of Steven Cambridge and Andrew James, and for that reason Jonny Ridd is one to watch - his performance will go a long way to deciding the fate of this game. Joshua Ritchie is also going to be integral to the Saders' fate. His aggressive leg spin has been known to turn on any surface so if it's his day he'll be able to get past the unhelpful pitch. For the Stingrays, Siege Morgan will need to stand up. Many expected him to back up and continue on from his season 11 performances but so far he's struggled, so a performance from him would be a welcome bonus for the Stingrays.

The Herald predicts a tightly fought game that goes down to the wire. Crusaders to win by 2 wickets/15 runs, with Jonny Ridd taking 8 for the match.