THE prestigious President’s Cup will return today when Mount Gambier travels to Portland to face-off in a one-day cricket match.
After claiming interstate honours with a crushing nine-wicket win in the most recent encounter between the sides, Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association will look defend the silverware across the border this year in the 40-over contest.
Despite the dominant fashion of how Mount Gambier dealt with their Victorian rivals, the corresponding fixture last year does not provide a form guide ahead of today’s game to be played in Portland rather then Frew Park.
Mount Gambier captain Jake Schutz said the unknown weather and pitch conditions will cause neither side to hold any advantage.
“There should not be too much of a home ground advantage for Portland because we beat them there last time by only a run in a low scoring contest,” he said
“It all depends on the wicket they dish up.
“It was pretty wet last time and it is meant to rain this week.
“I am not sure what the conditions will be like, so we will just have to wait and see.”
The poor recent weather has led to the cancellation of multiple games and there is a chance the will be slightly under prepared before the crunch clash.
“Potentially we could be, because there was no cricket last weekend because of the Adelaide test,” Schutz said.
“The week before we only got half a day in and the week before that it was a wash out.
“Hopefully everyone has been training hard and is ready to go.”
However, Schutz has full confidence in his team, despite six changes from last years successful side, which he believes has enough depth and skill to get he job done.
“As captain you always want to perform well, but if not, I’m confident every player can come in and play a role,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what Declan Kenny can do because he has taken a few wickets this year already.
“Sam Willis has been in good form, so hopefully we can get a few early wickets and put them on the back foot.”
The standout player from last year’s win David Somerfield produced an outstanding all-round performance of 5/22 and 85 not out, which was the difference between the sides.
“He would probably be the best player in the team.” Schutz said.
“He has been a very consistent player for a long period of time and I love playing with him because you give him the ball and you know he will do a good job with it.”
Somerfield has been in strong form this season, scoring four half-centuries in his last four innings and has also been a solid wicket taker.
Schutz himself has been the standout batsman of the season so far, averaging 76 with one century and does not feel any added pressure by the elevated status of the captaincy.
“It is an honour to represent Mount Gambier and the South East,” the skipper said.
“I am just going to have fun and enjoy playing cricket I suppose.”
The one-day game is effectively a warm up fixture before the Senior Country Cup in Adelaide next year, but Schutz’s focus is on today.
“It is still a proper game of cricket,” he said.
“Its a good opportunity play at least one game before we go away for the carnival in February.”
While the match-day conditions are still a variable, Schutz would like to bat first and put scoreboard pressure on the home side.
“It is hard to say (what we will do) until we get there and look at the pitch,” he said.
“Ideally you will like to bat first, post a big score and put them under pressure with both bat and ball.”
Mount Gambier Association team
Captain Jake Schutz, Matt McInerney, Jake Blackwell, Dave Somerfield, Dylan Clough, Michael Waters, Declan Kenny, wicket keeper Josh Thompson, vice captain Robbie Drenthen, Sam Willis and Jack Mullan.
