After Brocklesby made 156 runs (47 of which were extras), Balldale, who will resume at 0-10, will be confident of securing a first innings lead and winning the match.

With players like Doug Lavis, Damien Wilson and Patrick Mitchell in its ranks, only a stand-out bowling performance from the visitors will stop Balldale from securing the points and consolidating its second spot on the ladder.

Burrumbuttock needs plenty of luck to escape with anything other than a loss against ladder-leaders Rand today.

With Oaklands breathing down its neck, Burrumbuttock needs at least a draw to guarantee a spot in the finals.

But after making just 128, and Rand set to resume today at 2-66, a draw looks unlikely.

Brothers Chris and James Kreutzberger will resume at the crease.

Burrumbuttock’s Darcy I’Anson and Steven McCabe will need to have a great day with the ball to cause an upset.