The form of Kyle Hodsoll, the Bailey’s Bay bowler, maybe cause for concern for holders St David’s going into Saturday’s final round of the Eastern Counties.

The opening bowler warmed up for the big clash, pitting the competition’s most-decorated teams against each other, by bagging a maiden seven-wicket haul during Bay’s comfortable victory over Western Stars at the weekend.

It was a performance that suggested that Hodsoll, who was overlooked by St George’s for Cup Match this year, is peaking at just the right time.

Hodsoll exploited a Sea Breeze Oval wicket offering movement and bounce on the way to career-best league figures of seven for 42, which he picked up while bowling unchanged from the southern end of the ground.

It was a devastating spell that he hopes to repeat against St David’s on Saturday, the first game in back-to-back meetings between the two clubs this weekend.

“I was trying to get in form for counties and get myself into a groove and hopefully I can do the same on Saturday,” Hodsoll said. “I felt good and the wicket gave a little assistance. I have claimed six wickets a few times before, but never seven.”

Hodsoll took full advantage of the bowling friendly conditions, keeping the batsmen on the back foot with his nagging lines and varied pace and length.

“The ball was swinging and cutting, which was helping out a lot,” he said. “I just bowled in the right areas and let the wicket do the rest. I varied my line and length and just tried to make the batsmen play.

“I bowl from my heart every game and I am really enjoying my cricket these days playing with a great bunch of team-mates at Bay. I back my team-mates and I know they back me.”

Hodsoll suffered a serious knee playing football for Tuff Dogs in the Corona League last November, but with the aid of Ross Caesar, his personal trainer, has made a full recovery.

“Ross got my core and everything back in line which has carried through my season,” Hodsoll said.

Hodsoll has been solid all season, but was still left out by St George’s even though he was the challenger’s best bowler in the previous match at Wellington Oval.

However, rather than dwell on the past, Hodsoll has set his sights on regaining his spot in the team next year.

“I was disappointed, but what’s done is done,” Hodsoll said. “Hopefully next year I can get back in the side and repeat what I did in St George’s the last time.”