SOUTH Gambier will have a tough task on its hands tomorrow when it faces an undefeated North Sportsman’s side in Round 5 of the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Barber Shield season.
With the game to be played in the two-day format at Marist Park, both teams will look for a solid start on day one to better their positions going into next weekend.
In the previous round the Tigers made a statement when they took down West Gambier, with a standout effort from batsman Jake Schutz.
Finishing with a score of 7/130, Schutz’s impressive 86-not-out made up the bulk of North’s tally.
Matthew Robinson was the next best with the bat scoring 18 runs, while Josh Fidler also made double figures with 10.
Despite the beatable total, the Roos were all out for 88 off 32 overs, with North’s bowlers all in fine form.
Matt McInerney led the way with 3/20, while Tim Young claimed two scalps, giving up just 13 runs.
Luke Hocking, Fidler and Brad Close also contributed a wicket each to see their team secure the honours.
Each of these players will look to carry this form into tomorrow, with the toss deciding which discipline will have its chance to shine in the opening day of the round.
Whichever way it falls, North will be sure to deal some damage in day one, as the ladder-leader takes to the pitch against the fourth-placed Demons.
For South, the last round saw it suffer a disappointing loss at home to Penola.
Despite solid efforts from the Demons’ bowlers, the Eagles managed a 139-run total, which South could not reach.
This match saw South’s Robert Drenthen bag a credible three scalps, while Bryce Whicker and Camron Jorgenson claimed two each.
They were joined by Dylan Clough, Liam Neshoda and Matt Bowering who finished their days with a wicket each.
With the bat South struggled against Penola’s bowlers, with Bowering topping the score sheet with 34 runs.
If the team will stand a fighting chance against North, the Demons will need to show they can hold their own at the crease, but the Tigers will make them work for their stripes.
So far this season South has seen mixed results, with the team currently sitting on two wins and two losses.
If the side will maintain its place in finals contention, it will need to step up against the top teams in the second half of the season and this round will be the perfect test.
However, with North in red-hot form this year, tomorrow will likely see the Tigers hit hard and carry the advantage into day two next week.
