WEST Gambier knocked North Sportsman’s from its Mount Gambier and District Cricket Barber Shield pedestal with a 60-run victory at Marist Park on Saturday.
Coming into the one-day clash the Tigers were severely undermanned, but after posting just 4/138 in the 40 overs it is argued North could have stepped up its run rate.
West finished the day with a solid 9/198 off the back of an impressive performance from skipper Niall Easterbrook who surpassed a century with the bat.
North certainly missed the services of current state representatives Nick McInerney, Josh Fidler and Matt McInerney, but despite the loss it still sits on top of the Barber Shield ladder.
The win gives the Roos some breathing space on the premiership standings over third-placed Penola, now two games behind.
West was off to a fiery start on Saturday, winning the toss and electing to bowl first.
Just seven runs were made by the Tigers before opener Jake Schutz was dismissed.
Schutz found the boundary on one occasion before he was clean bowled by Richard Crute for just four runs.
The opener had been making a real impact on his side this season, rarely losing his wicket, but Saturday he was caught off guard by a pacey Crute delivery.
Matthew Robinson then came into play and showed confidence at the crease.
He worked well with Michael Johnson as the pair put together a partnership of 70 runs.
Johnston was finding gaps in the field and as a result added a few boundaries to boost the team total.
However, pushing for that extra run cost him his wicket.
The opener was run out by Tye McManus just short of a half century on 42.
As a result of Johnston’s dismissal, Gavin Coon padded up.
He and Robinson ran hard between the wickets for some time, before the latter was run out by Sam Willis on 19.
North had posted 82 runs and still had seven wickets in hands, but with just 11 overs remaining, needed to push hard.
Jack Armfield made his way to the middle for a short stint at the crease, returning to the sidelines for a duck and the Tigers looked in trouble.
Brad Robinson then entered the clash and partnered well with Coon to give North some hope.
The two found the boundary on the odd occasion, but played safe to hold their wickets for the remainder of the game.
Coon managed 27 not out, while Robinson contributed well with an unbeaten 26.
North finished its batting innings with a final score of 4/138 and went into the field with a big job ahead.
West had nothing to lose and went out swinging from the opening delivery.
Easterbrook and Bowen Hosking opened the batting proceedings for the Roos.
Hosking worked as a support for Easterbrook who found his confidence – and the boundary – early.
The two ran hard between the crease, but Hosking spent his wicket, making just three runs before he was caught behind by Tom Edwards off a Tim Young delivery.
Jake Blackwell joined Easterbrook at the crease and the two put the game beyond doubt.
Blackwell held his own when facing, but rotated the strike to give thein-form Easterbrook a chance to score.
The duo put together a partnership of 88 runs and increased the team total to 111 by the 22nd over before Blackwell was dismissed for 22.
Despite reaching just five runs before he was bowled by Armfield, Ben Hentschke worked as a support for Easterbrook until they surpassed North’s total and claimed the victory.
West was 3/141 and still had nine overs to play.
Sam Willis was at the crease for just two overs – making just one run – before he was sent walking by Declan Kenny.
Kenny then dismissed Crute for a duck and North was finding its feet.
Jack Gosling joined Easterbrook at the crease and added a further six runs before the latter was stumped by Edwards and bowled by Schutz on a credible 119.
Easterbrook was replaced by McManus who was caught soon after by Schutz off a Sam Shepard delivery.
Gosling took charge of the run-making from there, making a credible 18 runs before Brad Robinson took care of his wicket.
Sam Coxon then tested his luck against the North bowlers, but was sent walking for just six runs, while Jack Geddes was left wondering what could have been on zero no out.
West finished with an impressive 9/198 and comfortably took the victory from the reigning champions.
Kenny was best with the ball for the Tigers on 2/39 off eight overs, while Young, Armfield, Schutz, Shephard, Brad Robinson and Will Lewis all claimed one scalp.
With the North trio – who have been away on state duties – set to return for Round 8 of the Barber Shield competition, North will bounce back strong against South Gambier, while West Gambier
will carry confidence into its game with East Gambier.
