Picture: THOMAS MILES
MOUNT Gambier and district cricket fans may be in for a preview of the Barber Shield grand final this round, when Penola and North Sportsman’s lock horns tomorrow at Marist Park for the final minor round of the season.
The top-of-the-table clash will see the Tigers host the Eagles over two days in what is sure to be an entertaining match.
The teams boast two of the biggest hitters in the competition currently, with Jake Schutz and David Somerfield eager to add to their impressive feats at the crease.
For the latter, the bat is not his only weapon of choice, as Somerfield comes off the back of a six-wicket haul in Penola’s victory over East Gambier last round.
On day one of that clash he scored a century of 138 runs, before backing it up with the ball, in what can only be described as the perfect round.
Somerfield will chase his third century of 2018-19 this round, while he will also look to add to his 17-wicket total for the season.
And he will not be the only Eagle out to fly, with Penola boasting one of the most consistent lineups in the Barber Shield.
Lewis March, Jack Schulz, Mark Smith and Jase Bateman all played their part at the crease last round, complimenting the efforts of Somerfield to reach an impressive total of 4/286 after the 80 overs.
Mullan was also in fine form with the ball last week to claim three wickets, while the likes of Curt Evans, Michael Waters and Bateman are all capable of taking a bag.
For the Tigers, Schutz’s 224 runs from round seven will be still fresh in his mind, while a collective 46 runs over the two innings last round saw him play his part in the outright win over Mil Lel.
Fellow opener Matt McInerney will also be out to fire should North take to the crease tomorrow, while Michael Johnston has also posted some solid scores with the bat.
With the ball Nick McInerney will enter the clash red hot from his bowling performance last round.
He finished up with a devastating nine wickets over the two innings against Mil Lel and Penola will need to be wary if he carries that form into this encounter.
Johnston also fired in that clash to score 2/15 off eight overs, while Tim Young may have only claimed a single wicket, but his six maidens saw just 29 runs made during his 15-over stint on day one.
With both teams showing depth in either discipline, it may all come down to who wins the toss and starts the round on their own terms.
