WEST Gambier’s Barber Shield batting roster needs to find a new gear today if it is to overtake North Sportsman’s total from day one, when the teams take to Malseed Park in Round 4 of the Mount Gambier and District Barber Shield cricket season.
The Tigers set a daunting target in the opening day, as they finished the 80 overs with an impressive total of 7/325.
They were the only team to last the full overs last week and the Roos will need to do the same if they are to stand a chance at victory.
The bulk of North’s score came on the back of centuries to both Jake Schutz (116) and Mitchell Lewis (111).
They were both eventually bowled by West’s Sam Willis – who finished the day with three wickets – and he will be out to replicate his half-century from Round 1.
The absence of co-captain Niall Easterbrook due to a shoulder injury will have some impact on West’s experience at the crease, but the likes of fellow co-captain Jake Blackwell, Willis and Ben Hentschke will help bolster the ranks.
Richard Crute top scored for the Roos against Mil Lel in Round 3 and will be out for a solid total tomorrow, while Bray Stephenson is also more than capable at the crease.
For North, Declan Kenny will be chasing another bag of wickets, after a quiet performance against Penola last round.
If he can fire again, West may be in deep trouble, as he took nine wickets in the opening two games of the season.
Tim Young claimed four scalps against the Eagles and will be another to watch tomorrow as the Tigers look to silence the Roos early and seal the win.
The likes of Lewis and Matt McInerney can also be dangerous with the ball, adding further pressure to West’s batting roster.
Based off current form North should knock the Roos over well before they can cause any major damage and will take home the points for the round.
