North Sportsman’s 9/226 d South Gambier 8/174
NORTH Sportsman’s returned to its dominant form in Round 8 of Mount Gambier and District Barber Shield cricket, with a 52-run victory over South Gambier at Blue Lake Sports Park in a one-day clash on Saturday.
Much of the Tigers score could be attributed to a century stand from Jake Schutz and Michael Johnston – both making half centuries – which set up a big run chase for the Demons.
The Tigers won the toss and elected to bat first and its openers put on a fine display.
After an impressive Twenty20 performance on Wednesday night, which saw Matthew McInerney with an unbeaten half century in just eight overs against Millicent, he repeated that feat on Saturday, contributing a quick-fire 51 runs.
Schutz and McInerney opened proceedings and put together a partnership of 71 off just 12 overs before the latter was dismissed.
Michael Johnston joined Schutz at the crease and the two continued to piece together quick runs.
The duo ran hard between the wickets and found the boundary to contribute with an impressive partnership of 104 runs before Schutz was dismissed on 73.
Nick McInerney added 11 runs to the team’s total before he was sent walking, while Matt Robinson also joined Johnston at the crease, putting on five runs before he was out.
Johnston continued his form for a few overs before he was clean bowled by Camron Jorgenson on 50.
With eight overs still to play, five wickets in hand and 212 runs on the board, North was playing with confidence and had a good chance at victory.
Jack Armfield continued to increase the run-rate after Johnston’s dismissal, as did Declan Kenny.
Armfield made a quick 15, while Kenny contributed with nine before their wickets were taken.
There was little left in the tank for the Tigers after two ducks to Brad Robinson and Tom Edwards put a halt to the score flow.
Josh Fidler finished on an unbeaten two runs, which had North sitting on 9/236 at the end of its 40 overs.
Best with the ball for South was Bryce Whicker who managed 3/47 from eight overs.
The Demons were under pressure with the bat, with a big total to chase.
The opening two wickets fell quickly with Fidler and captain Tim Young claiming the scalps of Jorgenson (2) and Dylan Clough (7).
However, Josh Thompson and Liam Neshoda steadied the ship with smart shots and South looked competitive.
The two put together a 60-run partnership before Neshoda was sent walking on 16.
Thompson was dismissed a short time later for 55, before Nick Seager was out for a duck.
This gave Robbie Drenthen a chance to shine with the bat.
While he had little support around him – after both Matt Bowering and Ryan Kuhl were out for ducks – Drenthen was able to power forward with assistance from Adam Kuhl to boost South’s tally.
Drenthen found the boundary on multiple occasions, scoring an impressive eight sixes to make up much of his eventual unbeaten 72 runs.
Kuhl was sent back to the bench for 11 runs after he was clean bowled by Armfield, while Thomas McCourt supported Drenthen before the overs were up.
South finished with 8/174 and could walk away with its head held high after solid performances with the bat from both Thompson and Drenthen and an eventual score that was competitive.
Best with the ball was Johnston, claiming 2/13 off five overs, while Armfield also took two wickets.
