Wolmer’s Boys are all set to defend their title when they do battle with Eltham in the final of the ISSA/JIIC Knockout competition at the Melbourne Cricket Oval today.

If the surface is handily prepared then it should be an exciting 80-over contest as both teams are in good knick and are coming off back-to-back wins from their last two fixtures.

However, the Heroes Circle boys will have the upper hand with the strong arm of their lanky all-rounder and national Under-19 representative Malcolm Whyte, who has been bowling in pretty good form, having already accounted for over 40 wickets this season.

The maroon and gold team piled up 202 runs from 20 overs losing just four wickets recently, which speaks volumes of their batting potential, namely, wicket-keeper batsman Hodane Bryce, who is keeping good form. So too is Sadique Henry who saw the light on Wednesday when he made an unbeaten century off just 50 deliveries.

Eltham are no fluke as they came out victorious when the teams last met in the Grace Shield encounter, and having already copped that prestigious title, will come hunting for another.

The young St Catherine-based team will be banking on their all-rounder Ramone Francis who has been outstanding all season, along with opening batsman Jevel Innis and middle-order standout Shane Cole to throw down the gaunlet.

The game commences at 10:00 am.

— Sherdon Cowan