EVEN though his side has a seven point cushion on top of the ladder, Wingham captain Michael Rees said the Mid North Coast Premier League cricket minor premiership hasn't been sealed just yet.
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Wingham make the trip north to meet Wauchope tomorrow. Wauchope currently holds down equal second place on the ladder with Port Pirates.
Rees said if he side prevails over Wauchope and United beats Port Pirates they'll be well-placed to finish with the all-important minor premiership.
"But we're not there yet,'' he cautioned.
"A couple of losses and it can all change pretty quickly.''
After a loss to Macquarie the previous match, Wingham bounced back to something like their best against Pirates last week.
"Our bowlers did the job again and Dave (Rees) and Ryan Morris batted really well,'' he said.
The captain also did his share, scoring 45 at the top of the order as Wingham worked hard for a six wicket win. Rees and Morris shared a half century opening stand to set the platform for the successful run chase.
Wingham will again be without veteran Mick Stinson tomorrow but otherwise will be close to full strength.
Rees has been forced to change his side all season with players unavailable for varying reasons. He admits he still hasn't determined what his best starting XI will be come semi-final time.
"We're hoping Ben Scowen will be available but that's going to depend on his work - it's the same with Hayden Essery and his footy commitments in Sydney,'' Rees said.
"I've sort of got an idea on the side I'd like to take into the semis, but it's not decided yet.''
Taree West, fresh from a morale boosting win last Saturday, will sit the day out with the bye tomorrow.
Hyde out for season
MACQUARIE'S floundering semi-final chances have received another blow with the news skipper Josh Hyde won't play again this season.
Hyde, the inaugural premier league player of the year last season, has only made limited appearances this summer and the defending premiers have struggled in his absence.
A nine wicket defeat by United last weekend probably ended their hopes of making the playoffs. Tomorrow Macquarie meets sixth placed Port City Magpies at Oxley Oval. Magpies had a strong start to the season but have faded since the return from the Christmas break.
There'll be a local derby at South Kempsey Oval when Macleay rivals Rovers meet the last placed Nulla.
There's plenty riding on the result. Rovers sit in fifth spot and will be looking to stay in touch with the semi-final contenders. Nulla need a win to avoid finishing with the wooden spoon.