Many local sporting competitions resume their 2018/19 seasons tomorrow after a break for Christmas and the New Year.

With warm conditions forecast it will be a challenge for the players to return to the fields after a few weeks off, but with many local teams in prime positions to consolidate or claim places in the finals, the incentive it there to perform.

Blackheath-Dimboola Cricket

The Blackheath-Dimboola B grade cricketers come out of the break in second place on the ladder and in a strong position to maintain or even improve that before the finals, whilst the C grade team are in fifth on their ladder when their competition resumes on January 19.

The B grade team can further strengthen their claim to a top two place when they host the fourth placed Quantong team on Saturday afternoon in a T20 match.

With two teams, including Quantong only four points behind in third and fourth places on the ladder, a win is vital if the locals are to remain towards the top of the ladder over the remaining six rounds of the season.

West Wimmera Warriors Cricket

Neither of the West Wimmera Warriors teams enjoyed much success in the first part of their maiden season in the Horsham Cricket Association, but with the start of the new year, there is the chance to show the competition what they can offer.

In the A grade the West Wimmera Warriors have their best chance yet to kick start their season when they take on Laharum, the team immediately above them on the ladder, in a twilight T20 match at the Horsham City Oval from 7 pm.

With only one win on the board so far a win this weekend will keep their slim chances of a place in the finals alive.

These two teams have met twice so far this season, and the head to head record stands at one win each, with the Warriors enjoying success in their most recent meeting last November.

With their best team on the field the Warriors can improve this record and stay in the running for the finals.

The B grade team also has a good opportunity to improve their position when they take on the Jung Tigers, the only other team yet to register a victory in the 2018/19 season, in a T20 game at the Dimboola Road Oval at the Horsham College at 1 pm on Saturday.

Both teams received their first points for the season in the last round, when all but one game was abandoned due to inclement weather, so the chance to rise from the bottom of the ladder is the prize for the winner.

Bowls

In the Wimmera Bowls Association the Dimboola First Division team will welcome the ladder leading Horsham City 1 team to the local rink, but with the incentive of maintaining their place in the top four the Dimboola team will take the game right up to their opponents.

The Division Three team will also play at home where they will take on the Horsham City 4 team in a match that gives Dimboola the opportunity to rise into second place with a good win.

Tennis

The Dimboola District Tennis Association will not recommence until the first weekend in February.

If your sport is not listed here, send us an email with some details, fixtures and results and it can be included in our next sports summary.