Melbourne chase historic treble

Having already won the Twenty20 and one-day titles this season, as well as a 20^th JA Seitz Club Championship, the Demons can become the first club to claim all three premierships in the one season with victory over the Rams.

Commonwealth Bank Bushrangers Alex Keath and Michael Hill headline a formidable Melbourne batting line-up which also includes captain Andrew Kent and Brenton McDonald, who is one of the favourites to take out the Ryder Medal this season following a summer which has yielded 534 runs and 48 wickets.

The Demons will, however, be without stalwarts Brad Hodge and Andrew McDonald who are unavailable due to commitments with the Indian Premier League.

Ringwood, who are chasing their third title in six seasons after going back-to-back in 2007-08 and 2008-09, have hit form at the right time of the season.

They have been led by opening batsman David King, who has blazed four centuries in his past six innings, including 110 and 108 not out in both finals.

King, who played for Victoria’s 2^nd XI this season, has been supported by former Bushrangers and South Australian player Tom Stray (569 runs at 40.64) and opening partner Nathan Walsh, who has posted recent scores of 126 and 131.

The youthful Rams will again look to former Bushrangers rookie Michael Topp (37 wickets at 14.70) and “Cricket Superstar” winner Ian Holland (40 at 17.33) to lead the bowling attack, along with young leg-spinner Pat Ashton (26 at 20.35).

The match will be played at Junction Oval with play to begin on Saturday and to conclude on Monday. 

KOOKABURRA PREMIER FINALS
1sts (Saturday, March 30, Sunday, March 31 & Monday, April  1. Tuesday, April 2, is a reserve day)
Melbourne V Ringwood at the Junction Oval, St Kilda
Umpires: Geoff Joshua & Tony Ward

2nds (Saturday, March 30 & Sunday, March 31)
Prahran V Camberwell Magpies at Camberwell Sports Ground
Umpires: Vin Borg & Stephen Brne

3rds (Saturday, March 30 & Sunday, March 31)
Melbourne V St Kilda at the Albert Ground
Umpires: Adam Hawking & Alan Jones

4ths (Saturday, March 30 & Sunday, March 31)
Camberwell Magpies V Melbourne University at Geelong
Umpires: Nick Ferns & Craig Hill