PENOLA easily accounted for South Gambier in the recent Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association Barber Shield one-day clash at McCorquindale Park.
Despite the victory, it was a disappointing round for the Eagles who now sit two games behind second-placed West Gambier after their win over current competition front-runners North Sportsman’s.
The heat policy put a halt to the Eagles’ chances of claiming an upset victory over the Tigers in Round 6 with all games abandoned, which has possibly cost them a position on the ladder.
It was equally as disappointing for the Demons who lost their position in the top four due to the weekend’s loss.
Penola went into the clash determined to put the game beyond doubt early.
However, the Eagles start was not ideal.
Their first wicket fell with just four runs on the board and Penola’s confidence was down.
It was skipper Jase Bateman who was caught behind by Jacob Parham off a Bryce Whicker delivery.
George Kidman and David Somerfield soon went to work.
The duo reached a partnership of 53 runs by the 13th over, before Kidman was bowled on 13.
From there Somerfield was joined by Jack Schulz.
He began his time at the crease with a solid six, before rotating the strike to ensure Somerfield – who was in form – continued to increase the team’s tally.
Somerfield was finding the gaps in South’s field, but also clearing the boundary.
Penola passed the century mark before Schulz was caught off guard and sent walking for 10 runs.
Somerfield continued to work – this time with Mark Smith – who had also found his feet at the crease.
The two ran hard between the wickets and increase the total to 153 before Camron Jorgenson took the much needed wicket of Somerfield.
Somerfield was just short of his century, finishing the day on an impressive 82.
It was then up to Smith to continue Penola’s momentum.
Curt Evans padded up to join Smith at the crease, but Jorgenson claimed his wicket before he could post a run.
Michael Waters then entered the clash with the intentions to steady the ship.
He and Smith were able to keep to score ticking over through both boundaries and sprints between the wickets.
Waters was effective at the crease, but his time was limited when Jorgenson clean bowled him for 21.
Wayne Mitchell padded up, but with few overs remaining he added just four to the tally before he was run out.
Smith did his job well, finishing on an unbeaten 33 to contribute to Penola’s eventual score of 7/185.
Best with the ball for South was Jorgenson who managed an impressive 3/45 off five overs.
It was always going to be a tough run chase for the Demons, which was not helped when Jorgenson was dismissed on five.
Parham and Josh Thompson gave South some hope with a 44-run partnership, before the latter was bowled by Waters on 23.
Robbie Drenthen (0) and Matt Bowering (1) were in and then out of the contest with little contribution.
Parham’s wicket fell shortly after for 18 and South was in real trouble 5/58.
Adam Kuhl and Nick Seager increased the run rate slightly, pushing the team’s total to 92 before the latter was sent walking on 23.
With little time remaining, Luke Neshoda and Kuhl tried to push the run rate, but Neshoda was out for a duck, while Kuhl finished the game with an unbeaten 10 runs.
South finished with a score of 8/92, 93 runs short of Penola’s tally and as a result lost its position in the top four.
Best with the ball for the Eagles was Waters who managed 3/13 off six overs in an impressive display, while Evans was close behind with 2/15.
Penola will now turn its concentration to its clash with Mil Lel in Round 8, while South will test its luck against North Sportsman’s.
