AFTER an extended break due to the abandonment of the first Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association Barber Shield games of the year last weekend, Penola and South Gambier will be fresh and ready to compete for premiership points tomorrow.
The heat policy came into play last week, but this weekend’s forecast is for much cooler weather, with rain expected across the region today and possible showers tomorrow.
Providing the pitches are covered and well kept, tomorrow’s games should go ahead.
Penola would be disappointed with the match abandonment last week as it had a good chance to compete with current competition front-runners North Sportsman’s – who were undermanned – and as a result will look to put its game with South beyond doubt early.
The Demons sit just inside the top four with two wins to their name and will need to steps things up a notch come the business end of the season if they are to cement their position in finals cricket.
On the other hand, the Eagles will look to advance to second on the ladder.
They have dropped two games so far in 2017-18 and will need to exert their dominance on the competition in order to change last season’s fate.
Penola finished third after the minor rounds and won its first final, only to go down to West Gambier in the preliminary match.
This season the Eagles will look to go that extra mile and play off in the feature game in March.
They are well on their way to being a dominant side and have plenty of talent with both the bat and ball to ensure that result is reached.
David Somerfield has been in his usual form, putting in solid performances, as has Michael Waters.
Jack Schulz has also held his own with the bat and made some decent scores at the crease after moving up from the B Grade competition.
The one-day format means quick and fiery cricket, which suits Schulz, but South will also be up for the challenge.
The Demons have two big leaders in their group – Dylan Clough and Robbie Drenthen.
Both have brought some solid personal performances to the table throughout the opening half of the season.
Adam Kuhl and Camron Jorgenson have also been consistent for South, claiming their fair share of scalps throughout the opening rounds.
If the Demons can start well they could compete for the premiership points.
However, it is likely Penola will put the game beyond doubt early.
