MGDCA: Demons bring the heat

PLAY MAKER: South Gambier’s Dylan Clough managed 5/22 off 16 overs in what was an impressive display with the ball against current competition front-runners North Sportman’s at Marist Park. Picture: JAMES MURPHY

AFTER a less than satisfactory performance with the bat, North Sportsman’s was forced to lift when it went in to field late Saturday afternoon against South Gambier in Round 5 of the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association Barber Shield competition at Marist Park.

North put together an uncharacteristic 126 runs and was all out by over 65.

The Tigers are yet to be beaten and while South was well and truly on its way to an upset victory, the game is up in the air now.

The Demons went in to bat late in the day and are already a disappointing 2/4.

And while South’s current score is less than ideal, the game is far from over.

Prior to the match starting South won the toss and elected to field first.

As a result North openers Matthew McInerney and Jake Schutz padded up and reached a partnership of 30 runs before both were sent walking.

Schutz was out first on eight, while McInerney’s wicket fell shortly after on 21.

A further six runs were added before Michael Johnston (3) and Matthew Robinson (0) also returned to the sidelines.

North was 4/36 and South’s confidence was rising, but Brad Close and Nick McInerney stepped things up a notch.

The two were patient and added 32 runs before McInerney was caught and bowled by Camron Jorgenson on 17.

Josh Fidler was unable to contribute much more than Robinson, adding just one run before his time at the crease was cut short.

Jack Armfield replaced Fidler and went to work.

However, his partner in crime – Close – was dismissed after he was caught by Luke Zadow off a Jorgenson delivery on a season-best of 29.

Armfield was then joined by Tom Edwards and the duo crossed the century mark with a partnership of 29 runs before Armfield was sent walking on 10.

Incoming batsman Declan Kenny attempted to add some quick runs but was judged lbw to Dylan Clough on eight.

With just one wicket in hand, skipper Tim Young joined Edwards at the crease.

He faced just one ball before Clough hit the woodwork, sending Young back to the sidelines for a duck, with Edwards was left wondering what could have been on 17 not out.

Clough managed 5/22 off 16 overs in what was an impressive display with the ball.

North finished its batting innings on 126 from 66 overs and as a result South went in to bat the remainder of the day.

The Demons were in with a chance of an upset victory, but their shaky start with the bat has handed the confidence back to the Tigers.

Sam Phelan and Zadow opened the batting and the pair managed just two runs before Phelan’s wicket was taken by Fidler on just one run.

Just four overs later Zadow was sent walking – also by Fidler – on two.

Adam Kuhl finished the day on one run, while Jorgenson was yet to make an impact on the scoreboard, with South sitting on 2/4 after 11 overs.