TWENTY20 cricket returns tonight with round three of the Big Bash competition.
Round two was rescheduled due to the weather, but has been pencilled in for January 31 at this stage.
That has left four teams on equal points at the top half of the ladder, with Penola leading the charge, ahead of East Gambier, South Gambier and North Sportsman’s.
Penola made short work of Millicent in round one up at McCorquindale Park, reaching 187 runs after the allotted 20 overs, thanks largely to half-centuries from Jack Schulz and Dave Somerfield.
Schulz fell for 50 runs, which included four boundaries and a further two sixes, while in his 75-run stand Somerfield found the fence on seven occasions and cleared it four times.
The Eagles limited Millicent to 121 runs with the bat to easily claim the win.
Penola is again at home, this time up against Mil Lel.
Mil Lel was defeated in round one by South Gambier after the Demons reached a solid 225 runs.
Much of that came from two big half-centuries to Robert Drenthen and Luke Zadow.
Drenthen was certainly seeing the ball well, with eight fours and five sixes on his way to 78, while Zadow was just as impressive, with seven fours and six sixes for his 87.
Mil Lel was limited to 136 off its 20 overs.
A big improvement will be needed by Mil Lel with bat and ball to keep pace with the Eagles on their home deck.
The same could be said for Millicent as it faces South at Blue Lake Sports Park.
If Drenthen and Zadow are let off the leash again it could be another big victory for the Demons.
The remaining two games sees West Gambier host East at Malseed Park, while Glencoe travels to Frew Park to take on North Sportsman’s.
West was comprehensively defeated by North in round one, slumping to 9/90 after 20 overs.
Jake Blackwell was the only shining light for the Roos with 40 runs to his name.
Apart from him, only the extras reached double figures.
The Tigers lost just three wickets on their way to a win in the 15th over.
Jake Schutz managed a half-century, with 55 runs.
East also recorded a comfortable victory, setting Glencoe 158 for victory.
That was a solid team effort, with no half-centuries, but a solid start from the top three which set up the innings.
Glencoe could only manage 96 runs off its 20 overs.
There does appear to be some divide in the competition this round, but T20 cricket is a funny game.
A couple of quick wickets can change the contest dramatically as the incoming batsmen push to set themselves.
Likewise, one big over with the bat can also have a big effect on the outcome.
With only three minor rounds in the competition, there is no time for complacency.
All teams need to make their stand tonight to have a chance to progress.
Games kick off at 5.30pm.
