TWENTY20 Big Bash cricket continues tonight – weather permitting – with Round 2 set for some interesting contests.
The match of the round will see South Gambier host Penola at Blue Lake Sports Park, with both sides undefeated after the opening game.
Penola made short work of Millicent in Round 1 after winning the toss and electing to bat.
After the 20 overs were done the Eagles managed to amass 187 runs.
A large chunk of that came off the bat of Dave Somerfield, who complied an impressive 75 runs.
That included seven fours and four sixes.
Somerfield was well supported by Jack Schulz, who reached a half-century with four boundaries and two big hits which cleared the fence.
While Somerfield was quiet with the ball, Josh Doyle claimed three scalps and Michael Waters grabbed another two.
Millicent had one wicket in hand after 20 overs, but were well short of the target.
Similarly South had a big win over Mil Lel, thanks to another two half-centuries.
Robert Drenthen (78) and Luke Zadow (87) both reached the milestone to give the Demons a healthy 225 runs.
Drenthen found the boundary along the ground on eight occasions and cleared the fence five times, while Zadow managed seven and six in an impressive display of T20 batting.
Mil Lel could only manage 136 runs from its 20 overs, but dug in and only lost six wickets along the way.
That could be the difference in this game.
South will need to use its bowlers to better effect if it is to have an impact on the contest, while Penola will simply need to continue to push hard.
Whoever bats first may have the advantage if they can amass a decent total.
The two losing opponents in those games face off at Frew Park.
Millicent will need a strong performance against Mil Lel to provide any chance of a finals appearance later in the season.
Mil Lel will want to fly the flag for the “home” association, with three of the top order batsmen with starts last round.
Carey Megaw was the most impressive with 42, while Ben Thiel (26) and Justin Allcock (19) had reasonable contributions.
East Gambier will face a tough test against North Sportsman’s, with both sides again recording victories in the opening round.
The Marist Park clash will see the hosts with the advantage, especially with the likes of Jake Schutz and Matt McInerney opening the batting.
Schutz finished Round 1 with a half-century, while McInerney had a start with 21.
East will want to control the game with the ball in hand, with the likes of Alex Hentschke and Nathan Gore the danger men.
But with the bat the Bulldogs will need to lift, after reaching 157 against Glencoe in the previous encounter.
That will not be enough to beat the Tigers, unless the bowlers can perform well.
In the final game West Gambier should start as favourite against Glencoe, but after Round 1’s performance, that is certainly not set in stone.
West Managed just 90 runs against the Tigers, with only Jake Blackwell reaching double figures.
He played a lone hand for his 40 runs, with extras the next highest score with 11.
However, with plenty of ability in the roster, the Roos should be able to chalk up their first win of the season at Scott Park.
At the time of going to print Mother Nature looked a threat to any games, which are expected to kick off at 5.30pm should the heavens hold out.
