IT was always going to be a big ask for East Gambier to beat North Sportsman’s in round seven of Barber Shield cricket.
The Bulldogs were chasing a formidable 363-run total, after Jake Schutz compiled a phenomenal 224 runs on the opening day.
It was going to take something special just to come close the target, which was not helped by the early wicket of Darren Whitehorn for a duck, caught off Tim Young with just one run on the board.
From there Emerson Marks arrived in the middle and steadied the ship somewhat with captain Dion Stratford.
The pair put together a half-century partnership, taking the score along to 62 before Stratford was caught and bowled by Nick McInerney for 40.
Alex Hentschke put on 14 before he was trapped in front by Lewis and the Bulldogs were struggling.
Connor Little came and went for a duck, while Kyal Chapman offered just five to the cause.
At 6/88 there was little hope of coming even close to the target, but Aiden Creasey and Nathan Gore resisted somewhat, adding a further 17 before the latter was clean bowled by Michael Johnston.
Creasey pushed on with Simon Golebiowski, but with another 21 runs on the board he too was sent back to the shed for a stoic three off 69 deliveries.
Meanwhile Golebiowski was finding runs easier to come by, finishing
the East innings with 35 runs off just 41 deliveries.
Johnston claimed three wickets for the Tigers, while Young, Matt McInerney and Lewis bagged two each.
North then headed back out to bat for 10 overs, with two wickets falling before stumps.
Matt McInerney made the most of his time at the crease, banging on 45 runs, which included six fours and one shot that cleared the fence.
