AFTER a disappointing Round 1 loss, East Gambier will come out firing against reigning Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association Barber Shield champions North Sportsmen’s in another one-day clash at McDonald Park.
North was untouchable in its opening game last weekend, much due to the dominance of Matthew McInerney at the crease.
The opener put on an impressive show and hit his way to 132 runs before he was dismissed.
His partnership with fellow opener Jake Schutz put the Tigers on the front foot early.
The two reached a partnership of 197, which put the game beyond doubt.
It will be crucial the Bulldogs stop the duo’s run early or the game is at risk of another blowout.
The tough task of bowling at the Tigers will come down to a selected few.
Nathan Gore was best with the ball against Penola last weekend with five wickets and he will look to again repeat that performance.
But there are also those who will be eager to improve.
Ashley Dumigan contributed with a solid two scalps and will again aim high this weekend, while new recruit Alex Hentschke – formerly of Kongorong – is yet to claim a wicket in the Bulldogs colours and as a result will hope to achieve that goal this weekend.
North also had those selected players to star with the ball.
Declan Kenny was a standout with four wickets to his name, while Nick McInerney had three and Matthew McInerney two.
Josh Fidler – in his first game with the Tigers – did send one Mil Lel batsmen walking last weekend, but he will hope to step up his performance tomorrow.
The Bulldogs will find facing the pace of North no easy task, just as Mil Lel did last Saturday.
East’s captain Dion Stratford will hope for significant improvement at the crease.
Just one batsmen reached double figures and the Bulldogs lasted just 32 overs before they were all out in the season opener.
Peter Kerr attempted to keep East afloat with a score of 24 before he was run out.
And he had little support.
If the Bulldogs are to be competitive against the reigning champions they will need to dig deep.
However, North will most likely dominate and claim yet another percentage-boosting victory.
