Washington Metropolitan Cricket Board
With only one weekend of regular season cricket remaining in Washington Metropolitan Cricket Board (WMCB), the playoff picture nears completion but while it may have found most of the pieces of the puzzle, where and how they fit in still remains. Therefore, most of the games scheduled for September 6 and 7 still carry a huge meaning. Let’s see how the teams are faring in the playoff race:
• Washington (Qualified): If there has been any certainty in the past couple of years, it has been a solid performance by this team. No wonder the team that is yet to lose a regular season game in any format this season finds itself already qualified and in command of being the #1 seed. No incentives but just the intent to stay undefeated. Opponent this week: Virginia Lions.
• Chantilly (Qualified): Chantilly currently holds the lead in the Southern Conference and the overall #2 seed. While this may be surprising given the Virginia Lions hunt there, Chantilly has played some good cricket to deserve that. With 2 games remaining, Chantilly can clinch the Southern Conference and #2 seed with 2 wins. Opponents this week: United and Challengers.
• Virginia Lions (Qualified): Virginia Lions have sort of backed into the playoffs this year, which is very unlike them. With that said, they still have a chance to win the Southern Conference and qualify as #2 seeds. Two things stand in the way – a win by Chantilly and the Washington Juggernaut. A loss may see them stumble to #4 or lower seed depending on how other results go. Opponent this week: Washington.
• Damascus (Qualified): Damascus have been hot and cold all season but still find themselves seated in the #2 spot in the Northern Conference and #4 seed overall. The equation for them is simple – win and guarantee the #4 seed. A loss by Virginia Lions may give them #3 seed as well. However, the red hot Punjab Lions stand in the way and the game is a winner takes all. The scenario for Punjab Lions is exactly the same. A loss and the stock tumbles. Opponent this week: Punjab Lions.
• Challengers (In the Hunt): Challengers are currently ranked #5 but are far from certainly qualifying for the playoffs. They have 2 games remaining, and they would need to muster up the strength to get at least 1 more win 2 losses and the likes of United may sneak through to the playoffs. Their problem is that their opponents have everything to play for – so expect no one rolling over. A United loss guarantees a playoff spot though. Opponents this week: Columbia and Chantilly.
• Crescent (Qualified): With 6 wins in the bag, Crescent has already qualified. A win this weekend would mean a higher seeding. However, don’t expect Mavericks to go away quietly as they play for pride in their final 40-over games of the season. Opponent this week: Mavericks.
• Punjab Lions (Qualified): Their scenario mirrors Damascus. Win gives them a top-4 seed and a loss sees them at the bottom of the playoff barrel. The positive for them is that they are playing at WCC Turf Park where they have demolished oppositions, and they are facing a Damascus team that has lost 3 of the last 4 games. Opponent this week: Damascus.
• Columbia (Qualified): Strong performances at the tail end of the season has seen Columbia’s stock rise sharply. They go into the final weekend on a 3-game winning streak – having beaten Crescent, Virginia Lions and Punjab Lions. Two wins this weekend may see Columbia finish within the top four. They face a Challengers side fighting for a playoff spot and an already eliminated Mavericks team playing for pride. Opponents this week: Challengers and Mavericks.
• United (In the Hunt): Much was said about the United team prior to the season as the Warriors and United merged to form a stronger unit. And they did begin the season showcasing what they were capable of – winning 4 of the first 5 games. However, they’ve gone 1 and 6 in the last 7 games they’ve played and need the stars to line up to go through. They would have to win and hope that Challengers lose both games. Opponent this week: Chantilly.
• Mavericks (Eliminated), Renegades (Eliminated), Gladiators (Eliminated), A Money Matter (Eliminated)
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