Succeed and they would have pipped Country Week division one team Warrnambool and District Cricket Association.

The practice match ahead of the Melbourne-based tournament had been a long battle. Warrnambool batted first on Terang turf and set the target at 8/245.

SWC, a division three Country Week team, had taken on the challenge. After 36 overs it was 5/150.

It was going to be close. The question was how close?

Tailenders Wynd and Baker could smell victory and gave their all in the dying moments of the game.

But they fell short ? making 17 runs on the final over, leaving SWC on 8/243. South West skipper Steve Castle said his side's batting was solid yesterday but felt its bowling let it down.

Nevertheless he was upbeat about his team's performance.

"We probably could have bowled a bit tighter but I'm pretty happy with how they went," he said.

"We almost got there.

"It was a really good hit-out and a few of our boys made a few runs. We have got a good team here."

WDCA chairman of selectors Ray Drew was equally impressed and believed the associations had picked good sides for the Country Week tournament, which starts February 15.

"They are gelling together pretty well. There were some good run-outs and some excellent catching," he said.

"Our fellas should go well."

Chief destroyers with the bat for Warrnambool were Glenn Skinner (62), Kyle Timms (50), Ryan O'Keefe (45) and Zeb McCarthy (29).

Meanwhile, Tom McKenzie (44), Todd Lamont (64), Wynd (42) and Baker (27) made the runs for SWC.

There were some strong bowlers in the South West line-up. Clinton Place, of Pomborneit, was the match's leading wicket-taker, taking 4/49 off eight overs.

Others who were handy with the ball were Steve O'Neill (2/35) and Simon Baker (1/29).

SWC and WDCA have faced off for a Country Week practice match for the past three years, using the match to refine their squads.

SWC won the first year, which was held in Terang. The practice bout was played at Allansford last year, where Warrnambool sealed victory.