Penola v North Sportsmen’s
PENOLA will look to return to the winner’s list, but will find the going tough when it hosts the gallant North Sportsmen’s outfit at McCorquindale Park in Round 3 of the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association Barber Shield competition.
This weekend marks the first two-day clash of the season, which will make defeating the dominant Tigers even more difficult.
North was undefeated in 2016-17 and its opening two games suggest it will again be the front-runner in the competition.
On the other hand, Penola was around the mark last season, but bowed out of the finals race early and finished third.
The Eagles were easily accounted for by West Gambier last week and will need to come out of tomorrow with confidence it can get the job done or it could fall further down the ladder.
Penola had a number of players missing from its A Grade line-up when it clashed with the Roos, but they will soon return this weekend for the tough game.
Michael Waters has shown his talent in the opening two games of the Barber Shield competition with his new club.
Captain Jason Bateman has also led by example, with a particularly credible performance with the bat against West, opening to contribute a half-century.
The skipper will hope to repeat that performance if the Eagles take to the crease tomorrow.
Meanwhile, after a three-wicket haul in Round 1, Brad Maney will be one of the keys to Penola’s success with the ball.
His pace will be called upon early in hope to shatter North’s confidence if they bat first.
The Tigers are renowned for their ability to make runs and the opening two rounds of 2017-18 have been no exception.
North was also missing players last weekend, but put in a performance skipper Tim Young would be proud of, easily accounted for East Gambier in the one-day clash.
It was an impressive performance from Michael Johnston and Jake Schutz, which saw them bat the full 40 overs, with the latter reaching his century.
Johnston chipped in with a credible 91 and no further batsmen had to take to the crease.
Matthew McInerney was absent from the team line-up last weekend, but his contribution in Round 1 against Mil Lel, which saw him score 132 runs, was a big confidence booster and he will be difficult to stop.
The Tigers also boast a solid bowling line-up.
Declan Kenny and Nick McInerney were best with the ball in the opening match of the season, while Johnston had a dominant day with both the bat and ball in Round 2.
North has depth and will be difficult to stop tomorrow.
If the Tigers bat this weekend it will be crucial Penola take some early wickets.
On the other hand, if North bowl, the Eagles will need to remain at the crease for the full day.
If not, it is likely to be another dominant game by the Tigers.
