BATTER-UP: Kiata batsman Brad Alexander will hope to lead the Highwaymen to back-to-back premierships. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
KIATA will begin its premiership defence in earnest when it meets Winiam in the first semi-final of the West Wimmera Cricket Association at the weekend.
The Highwaymen once again finished atop the ladder and are the early favourites to take out the grand final.
They will take on a Winiam side that qualified for the finals in unconvincing fashion, recording three wins and five losses for the season and finishing as the only side in the top four with a percentage below 100.
Brothers Brad and Nathan Alexander are in ominous form for the Highwaymen, with Brad finishing third in the association's Most Valuable Player award after a season which saw him average 46.2 runs with the bat.
Nathan was hardly put to shame however, taking out the award for the best bowling average in the league with a stunning 4.93 runs a wicket.
Winiam opener Simon Brearley must bat well if the Wolves are to have any chance.
In the second semi-final, second-placed Rainbow will take on Jeparit at its home ground.
The two sides split their matches against each other this season, but Rainbow's newly-crowned MVP and Wes Warrick Memorial Cricketer of the Year Brett Jensz believes his side has enough fire power to make it to the grand final.
"If we can get our full side in for a game we should be pretty safe because we've got one of the best sides once we actually get everyone on the ground," he said.
"It'll be tough this week against Jeparit though because they're looking pretty good at the moment."
Jensz labelled Jeparit bowler Mick Preston as the danger man for his team, saying he was capable of taking several quick wickets.
