CRICKET returns to Mount Gambier and district over the weekend, following the bye across all grades for Australia Day last week.
In the Barber Shield competition teams will contest round eight, with the closest match expected to be held at Malseed Park between West Gambier and East Gambier.
The Roos have been a shadow of their former self this season and sit in fourth place with two wins to their name.
Although proving capable against lower-ranked teams, the heavyweights of the competition – namely Penola and North Sportsman’s – have been too strong.
But another win will be within reach when West pads up for the one-day clash against a win-less East.
The Bulldogs have had far from the ideal season and sit at the bottom of the ladder with just three minor rounds left in the year.
They will be hungry for their first taste of victory, but will have to fight hard for the win.
Team captain Dion Stratford has led by example this season and will be one to watch again tomorrow, coming off the back of a 40-run total against the Eagles last round.
A 34-run streak from Simon Golebiowski and 24 from Emerson Marks were the next best in that two-day match and they will look to back up their efforts at the crease tomorrow.
With the ball Nathan Gore fared well last round to finish with four Eagle scalps.
He will be out to fire again, while youngster Emerson Marks has also proven strong with ball in hand recently.
For the Roos, the likes of Jake Blackwell, Sam Willis and Bowen Hosking can all do some damage with the bat, while the latter two can also perform with ball in hand.
Youngster Connor Prior was the standout with the ball against Penola last round, taking four wickets from 13 overs.
If he receives the call up again this week he will be out to prove his worth in the senior side.
West will go into the clash as favourite, but should the Bulldogs find a way off the leash it has the potential to be a close contest.
