The threat of heavy rain hovers over the second day of play in round five of A Grade action this weekend.
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Heavy showers and possible storms with between three and eight millimetres of rain are forecast for Ararat and Stawell on Saturday, casting doubt if play will get underway.
The region is also expected to cop a drenching on Friday, which could play havoc on the final two-day game of 2018.
Aradale is in the box seat to win its first game of the season, defeating Buangor-Tatyoon on first innings and leading by 68 runs.
If no play gets underway they will take the six points but should play commence they will be in with a chance at an outright victory and 10 points.
“We are in a strong position, probably the strongest we have been for quite some time,” Aradale leader Clint Rodger said. “It is good from a club perspective and good for the 11 that took to the field last week.”
Aradale welcomes back Riley Wood and Scott Turner to the side, while Buangor-Tatyoon will also have some crucial players return to the side.
Rodger said while it may be tough to take all the points available, he and his teammates will go in with a positive mindset.
“If it plays out well for us we will definitely be chasing the outright,” he said.
Aradale resumes its first innings at 4-115, with Rodger and Travis Horvatek the not out batsmen.
St Andrews will be favourites to take the six points over the Gappers at Halls Gap.
They lead by just 66 runs but the Gappers have just three wickets in hand, making their hunt for a rare win difficult.
The Combine has already won on first innings against Pomonal at Central Park but is in a prime position to record a second outright victory for the season, leading by 90 runs.
Swifts-Great Western can climb to the top of the table with an outright win.
Should rain force play to be abandoned, Swifts-Great Western and Aradale will take home six points while St Andrews and Halls Gap will share three points each.
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