SOUTH Gambier will hope to back up its solid performance with the ball when it takes to the crease on day two of its Round 5 Barber Shield clash with North Sportsman’s at Marist Park.
Currently sitting at 2/4 after the 11 overs played at the end of day one – a score which put a dampener on a fine display of bowling – the Demons will need to hit hard and smart if they are to get back on track.
With North all out for 126 in its opening day with the bat, this is a rare opportunity for South to claim an upset win over the undefeated Tigers.
Sam Phelan and Luke Zadow opened the Demons’ batting on day one and recorded a dismal one and two runs respectively.
North’s Josh Fidler took both wickets within eight overs, which saw Adam Kuhl and Camron Jorgenson step up.
Both these batsmen will be out to make runs for their team tomorrow, but with the in-form Fidler on the job it may be a difficult task.
The last round against Penola saw South unable to break the 100-run mark, with a final score of just 92.
This match saw Matthew Bowering lead the way with the bat for the Demons, with 34 runs.
Dane Pople (17), Jorgenson (11) and Kuhl (10) were the only other batsmen to reach double figures in Round 4, a factor the team will need to improve on if it is to reach the Tigers’ 126 this week.
Both Clough and Robert Drenthen have proved they are capable of making runs this season and they will need to step up again tomorrow if they are to resurrect their team’s chance for an upset victory.
Clough made an impressive 102 against East Gambier back in Round 3, but he fell short in Round 4 to make just a single run.
Drenthen put in a solid score in Round 3 as well to contribute 78 runs to the end score.
But he also struggled to make runs in the last round against Penola, finishing up with a meagre five.
If these players can bring their A-game tomorrow, along with the rest of the side, the Demons might stand a chance of claiming their third win for the Barber Shield season
However, with the Tigers’ experience at the top-end of the competition, they will not go down without a fight.
With the ball Fidler will be out to add more scalps to his current score of 2/2, while Michael Johnston has also proven his ability this season and will look to replicate his impressive 5/11 back in Round 2.
The outcome will remain uncertain going into tomorrow’s match, but North’s class with the ball will likely get the better of the Demons if they can not step up at the crease.
