North v East
NORTH Sportsman’s will take no prisoners when it clashes with a struggling East Gambier outfit in the final round of Barber Shield cricket at Marist Park.
The Tigers have been the pinnacle of the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association this season.
However, a shock-loss to South Gambier in the Twenty20 Cup grand final on Sunday has only fuelled a fire.
North was no match for the dominant Demons who were led by Robbie Drenthen and Dylan Clough.
While the two-day format ensures a different set of strengths, the Tigers will be biting at the bit to get another win up their sleeve.
North captain Tim Young will expect big efforts from his team.
Matthew McInerney was in stellar form at the South Australian Senior Country Cricket Carnival in Adelaide, but a golden duck on the first ball of North’s innings on Sunday means he will be out to prove himself tomorrow – whether it be with the bat or ball.
Jake Schutz has been an anchor for the Tigers with the bat, while if North bowls the likes of Josh Fidler, Declan Kenny and Nick McInerney will look to rip through the Bulldogs’ batting line up.
East will find tomorrow difficult.
It is yet to showcase its true talent this season, winning just one game from nine rounds.
With finals out of the question for the Bulldogs, skipper Dion Stratford will hope to keep with the association front-runner for the two days.
However, in order to do so he will need a big effort from his team.
Stratford will draw on Alex Hentschke who has the ability to both take wickets and make runs.
After North’s shock-loss in the Twenty20 grand final last Sunday, it is hard to mount a case for East in this clash.
It is likely the Tigers will take hold of the contest early in day one and put the game beyond doubt by tomorrow night.
Should they win they will remain at the top of the ladder and host a semi-final clash against fourth place, which is yet to be set in concrete.
