IF last weekend’s result is any indicator, the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association Barber Shield semi-final two-day clash between West Gambier and Penola at Malseed Park this weekend is expected to come down to the wire.
The Eagles sat in the box seat to claim the points and a home final.
However, a five wicket-haul from youngster Lachlan Brown ensured the Roos held onto a tie and second position on the ladder.
Penola captain Jase Bateman would be disappointed in the result, but hopeful his side can get the job done when it counts – this weekend.
The two battled in the semi-final last season where West took the win, only to go down convincingly in the grand final to North Sportsman’s.
Both sides have the talent to take it up to the reigning premiers, but it will come down to who can put together a solid two-day performance.
The Roos will welcome the return of Bowen Hosking this weekend, but will need more than a solitary player to step up to the plate.
West has a long list of strong cricketers.
Niall Easterbrook has proved he can make big runs when needed and can take wickets.
Hosking, Sam Willis and Ben Hentschke have also proved they are all-rounders, while Richard Crute and Brown will lead from the front with the ball.
Jake Blackwell has had a number of strong showings with the bat so far this season and will hope to only improve on that this weekend.
Blackwell is also a credible wicket keeper and any edges will certainly see Penola walking back to the sideline.
However, the Eagles do have a quality batting line-up and will aim on cherishing their wickets when they pad up.
Bateman, David Somerfield and George Kidman are damaging with both bat and the ball, while Michael Waters can also take the game into his hands, whether in the field or at the crease.
Curt Evans and Conrad Slabber are damaging with the ball, but can also make their fair share of runs down the order when the pressure is on.
Brad Maney is another Eagle who should not be underestimated.
The pace bowler has taken 11 wickets so far this season and will hope to increase that tally this weekend.
While Maney brings his best with the ball, Jack Schulz will ready to fire with the bat.
If he can start Penola off well, it could put the Eagles on the right foot.
Both West and Penola have faced off on two occasions this season, with the Roos winning the opening clash by 47 runs and drawing in the second.
The odds fall in West’s favour.
However, it could be debated the Eagles have not showcased their best against the Roos yet this season.
It all comes down to this two-day clash – to be played Saturday and Sunday – and Penola will have no intentions of making the same mistakes it did last season.
