NORTH Sportsman’s Barber Shield defence will begin with a one-day cricket clash against Mil Lel at Marist Park tomorrow.
The clash will be a baptism of fire for Mil Lel’s new full-time captain Jack Miller.
His new and aggressive approach will be put to the test against a clinical Tigers outfit.
North has been the team to beat in the South East region, with five-consecutive grand final appearances.
The Nick McInerney led side is at short odds to continue its impressive run of form, with many of the same names returning for another shot at the title.
Last summer’s leading run scorer Jake Schutz will be hungry to rediscover his best form and set the tone opening the batting.
With the absence of Matthew McInerney, new English-recruit Aidan Thatcher will look to nail down a position near the top alongside the likes of Michael Johnston, Mitchell Lewis and Kieran Ashby.
An unchanged Mil Lel team will be desperate to avoid a repeat of last season’s opening-round clash against the Tigers.
It took North’s attack no more than 20 overs and one ball to knock over Mil Lel’s batting line up, which crumbled for just 29 runs.
The only batsman to reach double figures was Tom Nieuwerkerk, while four of his teammates made ducks, as Declan Kenny ran rampant for the Tigers and finished with the impressive figures of 5/9.
Kenny will return alongside his partners in crime Nick McInerney, Johnston and Tim Young.
The quartet has proven to be one of the strongest attacks in the region and will certainly make life tough for the Mil Lel batsmen.
Miller has established his side’s weakness with the bat during the off season and will search for an improved performance.
He will also hope his bowlers can inspire something special with the likes of Ben Thiel, Jonathan Allcock, Nieuwerkerk and himself ready to impose themselves on the competition.
But even if Mil Lel show some spirit, North’s class should prove to be the deciding factor.
On paper, the yellow and black has Mil Lel covered in all facets of the game.
Expect the Tigers to kick off their premiership defence with a solid victory.
