THE Mount Gambier and District Cricket Big Bash Twenty20 season kicks off tonight, with plenty of interest for spectators with both bat and ball.
With the bat, the top three high scorers in the Barber Shield competition are sure to have an impact on the short-format competition.
South Gambier’s Dylan Clough managed a top score of 125 against East Gambier in Round 3 of the Barber Shield and will be one to watch if he can continue that form.
Clough simply dismantled the East attack, finding the boundary on 21 occasions, with six of those clearing the fence.
His batting season was off to a late start after a wrist injury saw him not bat for the first two rounds, with the century coming in his first time at bat in a style that certainly suits T20 cricket.
Likewise North Sportsman’s Jake Schutz has reached the magical century, with 116 against West Gambier.
Schutz has enjoyed a consistent season to date, with each time at bat producing double figures.
In Round 2 Against East Gambier he was unlucky not to reach his century, falling for 96.
Add to that a half-century against Penola and Schutz is certainly one to watch.
Fellow Tiger Mitch Lewis has also laid claim to a century, with 111, also against West Gambier.
However, apart from that his form has been scratchy, but he can clearly find the boundary and compile a decent score.
For the Tigers add the likes of Matt McInerney and there is certainly something for the remaining sides in the competition to worry about.
McInerney has been hot and cold this season, with one half century – 87 against East Gambier – and 25 against West.
However, if he can find some form and face enough deliveries he could certainly be a dangerous proposition.
East Gambier’s Dion Stratford is one never to be discounted.
He has shown some consistency this season, with two half-centuries – against Penola and South – plus a handy 35 against Mil Lel.
His value also comes from his leadership, with the experienced head sure to have an impact.
For the Eagles the list is also impressive, probably topped by Dave Somerfield.
Somerfield has made a start in every game this season, capped off by two half-centuries, one against North and other against South.
His explosive style is entertaining and effective in the T20 format.
Apart from those players there are plenty of other batsmen in the mix to provide an entertaining series.
Pinch hitters such as East’s Alex Hentschke can certainly have an effect on the final total.
West’s top order can do some damage, with the likes of Bray Stephenson, Jake Blackwell and Sam Willis all able to compile a quick score.
South can be expected to push hard to defend its crown, with Robert Drenthen joining Clough, along with Jacob Parham, Luke Zadow and David Vine.
Somerfield has plenty of support at Penola with the likes of George Kidman, Mark Smith and Jase Bateman all capable with the bat.
There have been a handful of players who have stood out with the ball on various occasions this season, with South topping the list with both Camron Jorgenson and Vine.
Both have managed six-wicket hauls, but there are plenty of others to keep an eye on.
North’s Declan Kenny tops the list in averages, with a five-wicket haul against Mil Lel to open the season, followed by four wickets against East Gambier.
Penola’s Michael Waters has been a regular wicket taker, as has fellow Eagle Kidman.
Add to that list Somerfield and Curt Evans, with the latter claiming five scalps against South in Round 4 and Penola is certainly a team to watch.
Mil Lel’s Tom Nieuwerkerk and Jack Miller have both been in good form, while Sam Willis and Ben Hentschke have been solid for West.
The list of course goes on, with the big unknown coming from both Millicent and Glencoe.
Neither side competes in the Barber Shield competition and with a totally different approach to the short-format game, could upset any of the usual suspects.
Whatever the case, the series is shaping up as one not to miss, with its Thursday evening time slot the ideal chance to watch a quick, entertaining game of cricket after work.
Games kick off tonight at 5.30pm.
Round 1 draw: Penola v Millicent – McCorquindale Park; Mil Lel v South Gambier – Frew Park; West Gambier v North Sportsman’s – Malseed Park; East Gambier v Glencoe – Scott Park.
