SOUTH Gambier will receive a significant boost with the return of star-player David Somerfield for the 2019/20 Barber Shield cricket season.
Somerfield is back in Demons’ colours and will captain the side after a three-season stint at Penola.
He has been one of the most consistent and impressive performers in the region for a long period of time, and his inclusion will strengthen a settled South outfit.
The Demons were not to be underestimated last season and comfortably finished third on the ladder after a solid minor-round season.
But their campaign ended on a sour note, with a batting collapse in the semi-final.
Somerfield said there is already a positive energy around the group in the short time since he returned.
“There is a good feeling around the group,” he said.
“Everyone seems pretty keen and driven to take the next step (to the grand final) this season.
“We have a lot of senior players who have been here consistently and a handful of younger kids who are looking to play senior cricket, so it is pretty exciting at the moment.”
Somerfield was prolific in both disciplines of the game for the Eagles with 1461 runs and 70 wickets in just 34 matches.
Despite the success, Somerfield said his time at McCorquindale Park was just a short-term ambition and he always had a desire to return to his former club.
“My stay at Penola was only a temporary thing,” he said.
“I only planned to play a couple years up there and help share my knowledge.
“I played all my junior cricket at South and won multiple grand finals, so I always had plans to come back and I am looking forward to it.”
Somerfield’s skill will be a welcome inclusion to any side, but it is a much-needed boost to the Demons’ batting order, which struggled to fire last season.
Batting time was South’s weakness, with collapses a regular occurrence.
The Demons failed to reach triple figures as a team on five separate occasions and were bowled out six times.
But a consistent player such as Somerfield – who scored two centuries and five 50’s in 2018/19 – could be the glue South needs in the top order.
Somerfield said occupying the crease for a long period of time will be the key to restricting the Demons’ wobbles with the bat.
“Just batting time and building partnerships,” he said.
“The longer you stay out there, the more runs you generally accumulate.
“South have lacked scoreboard pressure recently and quality teams generally bat all their overs and score 200-plus, which creates pressure on the board.
“You have to bat the overs that you’re given.”
Somerfield said he will hope to lead with bat in hand and inspire his team mates to build partnerships and victories.
“I will look to be positive and set the tone,” he said.
“Hopefully it can rub off on a few players and they can get a bit more out of it.
“It would be nice to make two or three big scores during the year and contribute to some wins.”
South’s ability to win games in 2018/19 was brought from its strength with the ball.
This season should be no different, with a number of experienced bowlers ready to unleash, led by last season’s leading wicket taker Camron Jorgenson.
Opposition sides will struggle for any respite against a Demons’ attack with the likes of Jorgenson, Somerfield, David Vine, Daniel Loupos and Robert Drenthen, just to name a few.
Somerfield said he looks forward to having such depth at his disposal in the field.
“There is plenty of depth with the ball,” he said.
“We have some young kids and old heads who are willing to bowl multiple overs.
“Camron will add some more wicket-taking power to the team.
“If we can put more runs on the board, I think our bowling will keep us in good stead.”
Aside from Somerfield’s inclusion, South remains a settled unit with no other player movements during the off season.
But player injuries and unavailability could put the Demons on the back foot early in the season.
Hard-hitting all-rounder Dylan Clough and bowler Luke Zadow will not see action until after Christmas, while youngster Adam Kuhl will juggle district-cricket commitments in Adelaide.
South did include one trophy in its cabinet last season, with another Big Bash Twenty20 cup.
Somerfield said he hopes to utilise the Demons’ short-format skills to build a strong Barber Shield campaign.
“The one thing South has not struggled with in the last few years is limited overs cricket,” he said.
“I hope that winning formula rubs off onto our two-day cricket and we can build on that to be a strong contender at the back end of the year.”
