PENOLA cricket captain Jase Bateman is confident his side can get its hands back on the Barber Shield this season, which starts with a one-day clash against East Gambier at Scott Park this Saturday.
The Eagles fly into 2019/20 with a relatively unchanged line up and will meet an improved Bulldogs side in home conditions.
A thrilling contest may eventuate after a nail-biting tie in the respective clash last season.
Nothing could separate the pair after a tense 80 overs and both will be desperate to begin their campaigns with a win.
Penola will start as the favourite after it comfortably defeated the Bulldogs in the rematch and were undefeated throughout the entire minor-round season.
But it fell just short of the title in a tight grand final against North Sportman’s by 26 runs.
Bateman said that defeat still burns inside his team, which will keep a simple approach this summer.
“We were pretty disappointed about last year,” he said.
“But we will just go into this season looking to enjoy our cricket and not putting any extra pressure on ourselves.”
However, the Eagles will have their wings clipped with the departure of star player David Somerfield.
Somerfield will leave a major hole in the side after he performed in all disciplines of the game with remarkable consistency.
He scored 1461 runs and took 70 wickets in just 34 games during his time at McCorquindale Park.
His feats reached new heights last season when he scored two centuries, while being a potent threat with the ball with at least one dismissal in all-but one match.
Bateman said Penola’s 2018/19 leading run-scorer and wicket-taker was an irreplaceable figure, who played a major role on and off the field.
“I do not think you can ever replace the calibre of someone like him,” Bateman said of Somerfield.
“What he taught everyone individually and as a team, you just have to embrace and take on board.”
Somerfield is not the only name to depart the Eagles’ nest, after experienced bowler Brett Vaughan called time on his cricket career.
But the pair’s absence will open the door for others to shine.
The likes of Jack Mullan, George Kidman, Mark Smith and Jack Schulz will take on more responsibility at the crease, while Michael Waters will be the strike weapon with the ball.
Waters was far more economical than Somerfield last season, with 19 wickets at the cost of just seven runs a piece.
With the bat, Mullan who is fresh from an invaluable experience playing in England will be one to watch.
The opening batsman is a consistent contributor to the top order and can also be a handy option with his left-arm leg spin.
He will not be in action on Saturday, but is set to return next week and be a prominent figure at the crease.
Experienced heads like these see Bateman confident the Eagles will continue to fly despite the significant loss of Somerfield.
He said Penola’s goal remains the same with a team that has seen it all.
“Everyone has been around the A Grade side for three to four years now,” Bateman said.
“We have plenty of experience in our side, so I think everyone is capable of stepping up.
“We are still pretty confident we can beat every side.”
