THE one-day format will return to the Barber Shield tomorrow when Mil Lel travel to McCorquindale Park to face Penola.
The undefeated Eagles will expect to score an easy victory to extend their margin at the top of the ladder.
Dave Somerfield has been in hot form with the blade lately, after he scored a huge combined 217 runs against West Gambier last round which included a blistering 132 in the first innings off just 117 balls with five sixes.
That impressive performance was not just a flash in the pan either.
Somerfield has raised his bat every time in his last six appearances at the crease and there is a good chance his hot streak will continue after he scored 58 the last time these two sides met.
If Mil Lel want a sniff of victory they must find a way to halt Somerfield from cruising to another milestone, but they also must be wary of the other batters in Penola’s line-up who have all shown strong support throughout the season.
Micheal Waters and Somerfield have been a consistent threat with the ball so far and will make life difficult for the Mil Lel batsmen.
Mil Lel have struggled to post big totals all season and none of their batsmen have scored a half century.
Tom Nieuwerkerk has scored the most runs for the side this season with just 90 runs, while Carey Megaw holds the highest individual score of 42.
Mil lel’s bowlers are also under fire after they let slip a certain victory last round against South Gambier.
Thanks to opening bowler Ben Thiel’s career best figures of 6/55, Mil Lel had restricted the Demons to 7/102 in pursuit of the 152-run target.
However, the Mil Lel bowling attack failed to dismiss the tail through poor fielding and a lack of potency which saw victory slip.
If these trends continue Penola should complete a comfortable home win over a struggling Mil lel side.
