EAST GAMBIER v SOUTH GAMBIER
SOUTH Gambier has its work cut out in day two of Round 3 of the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association Barber Shield competition after East Gambier set a high standard at Blue Lake Sports Park last weekend.
The Bulldogs hit their way to a defendable 202 runs with four wickets to spare last Saturday and will be out to make an impact with the ball tomorrow.
After two disappointing one-day clashes, East put together a decent total with the bat.
Best was Peter Kerr with 41 not out, while others to reach double figures were Ashley Dumigan (40), skipper Dion Stratford (33), Darren Whitehorn (27), Simon Golebiowski (21) and Patrick Glynn (15).
Stratford will be pleased with his side’s efforts at the crease, but will hope to replicate that same performance in the field this weekend, particularly after South’s dominant performance with the bat in its one-day clash with Mil Lel in Round 2.
Luke Zadow reached 49 runs before he was run out, while Robbie Drenthen (30) and Luke Neshoda (29) also reached credible totals.
The Demons have 80 overs to surpass East’s total and with 179 runs from 40 overs in Round 2 against Mil Lel, this weekend’s game is winnable.
However, the Bulldogs will make it difficult.
East had a disappointing run with the ball against current competition front-runners North Sportsmen’s, bowling 40 overs in the one-day clash without taking a solitary wicket.
That performance will only drive the Bulldogs to improve for tomorrow’s game.
East recruit Alex Hentschke is still yet to take a wicket for the black and red and he will fir on all cylinders.
The pace bowler will be tough to face once he gains his confidence with the first scalp.
If South can stop him from dominating with the ball it could be on its way to victory.
However, the Bulldogs do have plenty of others with bowling ability.
Dumigan has been consistent, but it was Nathan Gore in Round 1 who was most impressive.
Gore took 5/12 off just seven overs and will hope to find that drive again this weekend to give East its best shot at the win.
It will all come down to who performs on the day.
If East can hold of a charging South side it will claime its first win of the 2017/18 season.
However, if South finds the boundary, but is in turn patient at the crease it could claim its second victory.
