The 2009 edition of the Herts Spring League is into its final week and there is a lot to be decided in the final matchups.
In Pool 1 only the Bracknell Blazers and the Alconbury Braves remain unbeaten with a 2-0 and 3-0 record. The HSL regulations state that the standings will be decided on the basis of the win-loss percentage. If both of them win their games this Sunday they will both be tied with a win-loss percentage of 1.000. The tie-break rules that will be applied are the head-to-head record between the two teams, but since these two teams have not met, it will come down to who has the better run differential.
Before that, the Braves and the Blazers will have to win their games. The Southampton Mustangs have a 2-1 record and they are still very much involved in the race. They will face the Alconbury Braves in the 1pm game at Grovehill Ballpark, Hertfordshire. If the Mustangs win, they will jump above the Braves and will be hoping that the Essex Arrows will them a favour and defeat the Bracknell Blazers in the 4pm game in Richmond.
The remaining two teams in Pool 1, the Sidewinders and Herts Falcons, meet at 10am. Both teams are yet to pick up a win so they will be looking to win in order to avoid finishing dead-last.
In Pool 2, three teams still have a chance to finish first. They are the Braintree Rays, the Richmond Dragons and the Herts Hawks. The Hawks top Pool 2 with a 100% record and have the advantage of a +15 run differential which may come into play if there is a tie. They will meet the MK Buck at their home ballpark in front of their own supporters at 4pm. Another Herts team, the Eagles can really help them out by winning against their closest rivals, the Richmond Dragons, at Richmond’s Ham Ground at 10am. The mobile phone of the Hawks Manager will be on waiting for news from Richmond and they will know exactly what they need to do against the MK Bucks.
Braintree are the dark horse in Pool 2 and if both Richmond and the Hawks failt to win their games, Braintree can take first place with a win against the Kent Mariners.
For full schedule of the final week of HSL action click here.
To see the current standings click here.