IT will be a tough ask for South Gambier when it heads into day one of its Round 5 meeting with North Sportsman’s in Barber Shield cricket tomorrow at Blue Lake Sports Park.
Despite the home-ground advantage, the Demons will be under no illusions heading into the match, with the Tigers a formidable opponent under any circumstances.
Add into the equation the fact North totalled a massive 325 runs against West Gambier last round and the Demons should be shaking in their boots.
That score came mostly off the back of two centuries from Jake Schutz (116) and Mitchell Lewis (111), who trumped the Roos’ bowlers on day one.
Schutz has been in blinding form this season and averages 72.5 runs from the four rounds completed, with a total of 290 runs to his name for 2018-19.
Michael Johnston was also in form last round with 42 runs and backed it up on day two with five wickets.
He will be one to watch in both disciplines and will be another player lingering on the back of South’s mind.
Tim Young also posted a solid result with the ball last week, with four wickets to his name.
Joined by the likes of Declan Kenny, the Tigers will likely roar again with ball in hand.
Although the Demons lost outright to Penola last week, they will take confidence from their bowling performance into this round.
Camron Jorgenson finished with an impressive six-wicket haul against the Eagles, while Luke Zadow claimed two scalps.
David Vine is due for another big haul after a quiet round and will be on the hunt for some Tiger scalps when the opportunity arises.
With the bat there were few positives from last round, with 21 runs from Josh Thompson the best result for the Demons.
Dylan Clough will be hungry for another big score after his 125 run total in Round 4, while the likes of Zadow, Vine and Adam Kuhl have also contributed well with the bat in past weeks.
South currently sits in third place on the ladder with West nipping at its heels and it will take a big effort to topple the Tigers.
North will go into the match as the favourite and should set itself up for another solid result tomorrow, but with two days to decide the outcome South will give its all to cause an upset.
