NORTH Sportsman’s will aim to redeem itself when it battles with South Gambier in the Barber Shield cricket semi final at Marist Park tomorrow.
The Demons were the underdogs in the Twenty20 Cup grand final, but shocked both the crowd and its opponent with a dominant display and eventual victory.
South will hope to repeat that same performance over the two-day semi-final this weekend.
However, it is no secret, North will be a tough nut to crack.
The Tigers have been the benchmark of the Mount Gambier and District Cricket A Grade competition for two seasons and will aim for back-to-back Barber Shield premiership honours.
South was just as dominant several years ago, but have been rebuilding in recent seasons, winning just three games.
A 12-run victory over Mil Lel in the final minor round game of the season handed the Demons fourth position and a finals berth.
They come into this semi-final clash as the underdogs, but will prove their worth through impressive displays with both the bat and ball.
Robbie Drenthen has been in stellar form in recent weeks.
His ability to find the boundary with the bat and take much-needed wickets will be relied on this weekend.
He will be well supported by Dylan Clough, who is arguably one of the best bowlers in the association.
Clough claimed six wickets in South’s do-or-die clash with Mil Lel last weekend and has shown he can deal with the pressure when games come down to the wire.
Camron Jorgenson is another bowler who will have a tough job in forcing the talented North batsman to come unstuck.
It all begins with the Tigers’ openers Matthew McInerney and Jake Schutz.
The duo has the ability to make or break North.
In the Twenty20 final, South shot the Tigers’ confidence with the early dismissal of both McInerney and Schutz.
If the Demons can repeat that same performance this weekend it could be in with a chance.
However, it is unlikely North will make the same mistake twice.
There are also a number of quality batsmen down the order.
Nick McInerney, Michael Johnston and Gavin Coon can all hold their own at the crease and will not be taken lightly by South’s bowling attack.
The Tigers will have no intention on letting this game slip and while the runs need to be made, the wickets also need to tumble.
Both Matthew and Nick McInerney have had a stellar season with the ball, while Michael Johnston, Tim Young, Declan Kenny and Josh Fidler have also claimed their fair share of wickets.
North will aim to put itself in front early in the contest – whether it be with the bat or ball – with the hope to claim back-to-back Barber Shield titles.
South will put up a good fight, but the Tigers’ class and determination will get them over the line.
