Pictures: THOMAS MILES
NORTH Sportsman’s claimed its first outright Barber Shield victory on Saturday when it finished what it started in day one against Mil Lel at Frew Park.
The highlight of the round nine clash saw Nick McInerney finish up with a nine-wicket haul, taking eight in day one over the two innings, before adding another to his tally on Saturday.
Last week saw Mil Lel make reach a total of 81 runs, before the Tigers went to work with the bat and declared at 4/109, chasing the outright honours.
Heading into day two on Saturday, the hosts sat on an overnight score of 5/17, with 11 runs needed to force North back in to bat.
To its credit, Mil Lel’s bottom order did well to reach an eventual 109 runs, as captain Craig Lock led by example to score a half century of 55.
With an overnight score of three not out, Kaidyn Weber had to retire due to unavailability, which saw Jonathan Allcock open the day with his captain.
Lock was the first to go, doing his part early in the day and finishing up with the total at 82, while Allcock was sent packing straight after on 15, with no runs added by his brief partnership with Tom Nieuwerkerk.
Daniel Justin was next to pad up and he and Nieuwerkerk were able to add 17 runs before the former was caught by Jake Schutz off Michael Johnston.
Jack Miller took to the crease and another 10 runs were added, before Nieuwerkerk was the last wicket to fall, caught by Mitchell Lewis off McInerney.
The Tigers then padded up, chasing 81 runs to seize the outright honours.
It took just 17.2 overs and three wickets to do so, with openers Kayne Badman (19) and Schutz (39) starting well with the bat.
Lewis was the third wicket to fall, for no score, while the total sat at 80 runs when McInerney joined Justin McConnell at the crease.
The target was reached soon after, with McConnell finishing the job with 16 runs to his name, while McInerney finished unbeaten, but without a run.
With the ball, Ben Thiel, Allcock and Justin Lamont all claimed a wicket, in what was always going to be a tough day at the office.
For the Tigers, Johnston claimed two wickets on day two, while Tim Young and McInerney took one each.
This week North will test its metal against Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association Barber Shield ladder leader Penola in the final minor round, while Mil Lel will hope for a better result against West Gambier.
