PENOLA v EAST GAMBIER
PENOLA Cricket Club sits in a strong position on the Barber Shield cricket ladder as the home-and-away season begins to wind down.
With just two rounds remaining, Penola’s third place position is as safe as houses, with finals cricket again on the radar.
However, this week could just throw a curve ball to the side’s preparation as the Eagles host East Gambier up at McCorquindale Park.
It would be highly likely Penola will claim the win, going on season form, but few would have expected the Bulldogs to claim the points over West Gambier last round.
A big half century – 78 – to East captain Dion Stratford helped boost what would have otherwise been a mediocre score.
Even so, 145 runs was by no means a safe score, with West more than capable to reaching the target.
It was the bowling of Emerson Marks that made the difference for East, with his 5/24 off seven overs just what the Bulldogs needed.
After a solid second-wicket stand, West had no answer and was back in the shed in the 36th over.
Alex Hentschke and Tom O’Connor chipped in with a couple of wickets each, suggesting the Bulldogs have some firepower with the ball.
In that same round Penola was ruthless against Mil Lel, setting a target of 149 for victory, but knocking the hosts over for less than half of that, in just the 33rd over.
The majority of that came off an inspired spell from Dave Somerfield, whose 5/14 did the damage.
However, apart from opening bat George Kidman, the Eagles did not fire, until the middle to lower order held the side up.
If the East pace can take advantage of that with the ball, the result could swing either way.
But likewise, the Bulldogs will need to show more determination at the top of the order if they are to set a decent total, or continue the good form with the ball to slow down the Eagles’ run rate.
The key to victory will be the ball and who can take advantage on day one of play.
Whichever side can limit the other’s scoring will be in the box seat the following week.
