BIG scores were smashed with the bat in the final minor round of the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association Big Bash Twenty 20 Cup last Thursday.
In what was a catch up to the rescheduled round two fixture, a high-scoring match was won by North Sportsman’s over East Gambier at Marist Park, where a total of 381 runs were scored in the 40 overs.
A high-risk and aggressive approach from North openers Matthew McInerney and Jake Schutz paid off, as they smashed the East attack to all corners of the ground and built a century opening partnership.
Schutz fell for 56, while McInerney carried his bat throughout the duration of the whole 20 overs to finish with 115 not out and help the Tigers post a huge 2/212 at an incredible run rate of above 10 per over.
Marks was the only bowler to take a wicket in what was a day to forget with the ball for the Bulldogs.
Not to be out done in pursuit of the improbable run chase, East captain Stratford opened the batting and led from the front to produce a stunning century of his own which included nine sixes.
He was supported by Connor Little who played the perfect support role to score 34 in his first time opening the batting.
Unfortunately, once Stratford fell for 104 in the 12th over, the rest of East’s batsman crumbled with Alex Hentschke the only other to reach double figures as they slumped to 9/169 and allowed the Tigers to finish the minor rounds undefeated.
Another high-scoring contest was played between South Gambier and Penola at Blue Lake Sports Park.
The home side batted first and were led by a brilliant all-round performance from opening batsman David Vine.
Vine was in sublime touch as he hit 16 boundaries before he fell just two runs short of a century when he was bowled for 98.
The Demons scored 6/152 in their 20 overs, which without Vine would have been much smaller as the next best score was just 15.
In response the Eagles’ batsmen attacked, led by opener Jack Mullan who was supported by David Somerfield and Mark Smith.
To back up his 98, Vine also captured all four Penola wickets to keep his side in touch, but his incredible all-round effort was not enough as Mullan scored 77 not out to see his side home with two overs to spare.
At the neutral venue of Scott Park, West Gambier cruised to a comfortable win over Glencoe.
The Roos sent in Glencoe who struggled to contain the West attack as they were bowled out for just 69 from 19.3 overs.
Josh Cornollo was the only multiple wicket taker with 3/19, while only three batsman reached double figures when West took to the crease.
After the early wicket of Niall Easterbrook who fell in the first over, Sam Willis and Connor Prior built a solid partnership to see their side to safety and book a place in finals.
Prior was run out for 31 with just three runs in sight of victory, while Willis remained not out with 32.
Mil Lel completed a comfortable victory over Millicent at Frew Park.
Millicent struggled against the Mil Lel bowling attack to be dismissed for just 74 runs.
Tom Nieuwerkerk, Jack Miller, Craig Lock and Jonathan Allcock all captured two wickets to produce an impressive bowling display.
Although three batsman fell for just single figures, scores of 30 from Daniel Justin and 27 not out to Joshua Smith ensured Mil Lel avoided defeat to claim their first Twenty20 win by six wickets.
With all three minor rounds completed, the battle for the Big Bash Twenty20 Cup heats up with two semi-finals set for Marist Park on Febuary 24.
The first semi-final will see the undefeated North Sportsman’s come up against defending champions South Gambier, while Penola will clash with West Gambier.
These two games will be followed by a final that afternoon to decide the winner of the cup.
