SOUTH Gambier has cemented itself in the top four heading into the final minor round of Barber Shield cricket, with a comfortable round nine win over West Gambier at Malseed Park.
The Roos posted just 163 runs on day one, despite a consistent contribution across the board, while the Demons headed into Saturday’s second day with an overnight score of 1/19.
Despite the rocky start, which saw run-maker Luke Zadow dismissed for one run last week, South started anew on Saturday and it did not take long to pile on the runs.
Adam Kuhl and Dylan Clough returned to the crease to open the day’s proceedings, with the latter caught by Richard Crute off Niall Easterbrook for 24 runs, with the total at 2/46.
Dane Pople had a brief visit to return to the bench with one run, while Kuhl had made 34 when West’s Alex Hill took the second catch of the day, also off an Easterbrook ball.
By then the total had edged out to 98, as Josh Thompson fired early on his way to a 91-run haul.
David Vine was next to pad up, with the new partnership lasting 26 runs, before Vine was sent packing for 14, as a result of yet another catch off an Easterbrook delivery.
With the total at 5/124, the Demons looked in good stead to reach West’s target and the next partnership did just that.
Michael Sims joined Thompson at the crease and the pair wreaked havoc on the Roos’ attack.
An impressive 113 runs were added by the duo, before Thompson was finally dismissed, judged lbw off Sam Willis.
His total of 91 saw him reach the boundary on 13 occasions, but never on the full.
By then the win was secured and the Demons were only playing for percentage.
Sims fell one run after Thompson with his 43 the second highest score for the match.
From there few runs were added, as Jack Domaschenz (five) and Daniel Loupos (zero) were both caught off Ben Hentschke balls.
Camron Jorgenson and Robbie Drenthen were left standing at the end of the overs, with six and 16 runs respectively to see the Demons 9/266 at the end of the day.
With the ball, a consistent effort saw Easterbrook, Sam Willis and Hentschke all with three wickets.
West will need to win its encounter with Mil Lel in round 10 if it will be sure to play finals, with just one win separating it from bottom-placed Mil Lel and East Gambier on the ladder.
For the Demons, they will carry confidence into the final minor round, as they gear up against the Bulldogs over two days.
