NORTH 102, 5/162 d PENOLA 88
PENOLA squandered a chance to knock off the reigning premiers in round three of the Barber Shield cricket season, falling cheaply at home on Saturday.
The Eagles were chasing just 102 runs after the opening day of the two-day fixture, but failed to capitalise, not accounting for a six-wicket haul from North’s Josh Fidler.
Sitting at 5/65 after 30 overs at stumps on day one, Penola needed someone to spark on Saturday, but instead of an inspiring knock, there was more of the same.
With a further eight runs added to the overnight total, Tom Clayfield fell victim to Fidler, judged lbw for just six runs.
Fidler struck again six runs later, with Mark Smith caught behind by Matt McInerney after offering just two runs.
Curt Evans came and went in the same fashion for a duck, while Michael Waters added six before he became yet another victim of Fidler.
Conrad Slabber was unable to bother the scorers, handing North the win after the Eagles could only post 88 runs.
Fidler finished with impressive figures of 6/35 off 20 overs, while Nick McInerney chipped in with two.
With plenty of time left in the day, the Tigers took to the batting crease with gusto.
An opening stand of 33 between Jake Schutz and Matt Robinson kicked proceedings off, before the latter was clean bowled by Slabber for 11.
Brad Robinson was only able to add a further three runs before his woodwork was also disturbed by Slabber.
Schutz eventually fell for 32 after the team half-century had been posted, while Michael Johnston finished the day agonisingly short of his half-century on 46 not out.
McInerney contributed 19 runs, Gavin Coon 26 and Declan Kenny not out 21.
The 5/162 total appeared more like what the Tigers are capable of, with Penola needing to go back to the drawing board after a lack-lustre round.
