TAREE West captain Ben Marron says regardless of what happens in this weekend's clash, the Manning first grade cricket minor premier won't be decided until the last round starting Saturday February 20.
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Marron's team takes on fourth placed Old Bar tomorrow. The West currently leads the competition by two points from United. Third placed Wingham meet United this round, with the two leaders to face off in the last match.
"It's going to come down to the last round, it doesn't matter what happens this game,'' Marron predicted.
Taree West had a few problems chasing down Wingham's moderate first innings of 106 last week.
"We were 7/70 at one stage so it wasn't looking too good,'' Marron said.
Trent Thompson arrived at the ground late and he knocked the ball around to score an invaluable 20 to steer West to safety. However, it appears this will be Thompson's one and only dig for the side.
"Trent's working in Sydney and it's just too hard for him to get back,'' Marron explained.
Marron had pencilled in Thompson to bat at three but this won't be the case. While he's a quality player, Marron pointed out that Thompson's only had the one bat, so the side hasn't been relying on him.
Another newcomer Matt Wesley has also returned to Sydney and also won't be playing for the West this year.
On the positive side district all-rounder Sean Carr will be available for the big matches ahead. Marron was also impressed with newcomer Ameen Kiyana, who made his debut for the club against Wingham.
Kiyana took the wicket of Josh Davis on the first day although he missed out with the bat.
"He's an off-spinner but I think he's a better batsman,'' Marron said.
"He'll be handy for us.''
However, Marron said Northern NSW representative, allrounder Dean Mills has been outstanding for Taree West this summer.
""Millsie will be the player of the year for sure - he's been massive,'' Marron said.
In the other game starting this weekend Wingham will host United at the Cedar Party Reserve.