PENOLA v NORTH SPORTSMEN’S
PENOLA is well and truly in with a chance of knocking reigning premiers North Sportsmen’s from its pedestal at McCorquindale Park tomorrow in Round 3 of the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association’s Barber Shield competition.
The Tigers were poor with the bat on day one last weekend and reached just the 46th over before they were all out.
Matthew McInerney was best for North, but contributed just 35 runs for the day, while Gavin Coon (29), Jake Schutz (11) and Michael Johnston (10 not out) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures.
After limiting North to a dismal 102 runs, Penola was in the box seat last Saturday afternoon to claim the overall honours.
With three wickets to Curt Evans and David Somerfield, the Eagles were flying with confidence coming into their batting innings.
However, with its undefeated status on the line, North bounced back into the contest with a solid afternoon in the field.
The Tigers took five wickets in just 30 overs and held Penola to a paltry 65 runs.
Jack Schulz put a credible 21 runs on the board for Penola before he was dismissed with Lewis March (12) and Jack Mullan (14 not out) the only others to reach double figures – so far.
Mullan and Tom Clayfield (five not out) will aime to put together a solid partnership tomorrow in the hope to put the Eagles on the front foot early.
Penola still has formidable batsmen Mark Smith and Michael Waters to pad up, as well as Conrad Slabber and Evans.
If the Eagles find their feet and continue to increase the run-rate it could reach the winnable total of 103 early in the day and send their opponents back in to bat, with the hope of an outright victory.
However, North’s form in the early weeks of this season and particularly last season suggests that will be no easy task.
Both Josh Fidler and Nick McInerney have already taken two wickets each and it is likely the Tigers will continue that momentum into tomorrow.
But after a disappointing loss to West in a one-day clash last round, this game is a must-win for the Eagles.
Penola will certainly have its work cut out, but sits in the box seat for the win if it can pull together and bat out the remaining 50 overs tomorrow.
