NORTH SPORTSMAN’S v WEST GAMBIER
WEST Gambier will push for an unexpected victory over North Sportsman’s at Marist Park tomorrow in a thrilling final day of their round three Barber Shield cricket contest.
The Roos require 87 more runs to pull off a stunning upset over the reigning premier with eight wickets in hand.
After West’s openers fell cheaply in the closing stages of day one, a heavy reliance is placed on the shoulders of captain Richard Crute.
Crute scored a match-winning 63 against East Gambier, but is yet to get off the mark.
He will hope to produce another inspiring performance and will resume alongside youngster Connor Prior.
Prior was the only Roo to score freely on the opening day and will look to continue his promising start on 18.
The pair represent West’s best chance to chase down the target, while the likes of Jed Matthews, Josh Cornolo and Sam Willis can offer support.
With eight wickets still in hand, just one partnership could be enough to reach the target.
But just two Roos’ batsmen managed double figures in their last innings and the middle order must find a way to withstand a fired-up North attack.
Tim Young, Declan Kenny, Kayne Badman and Nick McInerney will all be potent threats on a challenging pitch and wet outfield.
The first hour will be crucial in deciding the result, which could go either way.
PENOLA v SOUTH GAMBIER
AFTER three agonising weeks, Penola’s 2019/20 Barber Shield cricket campaign will finally begin this Saturday when it plays South Gambier at McCorquindale Park – weather permitting.
There will be more than just bragging rights on the line, as the clash will see former Eagle David Somerfield back in the maroon of the Demons.
His all-round skills have been the driving force behind South’s two victories over West Gambier and North Sportsman’s.
Another challenge for the Eagles will be how their rusty batting line up tackles South’s in-form bowling attack of Cam Jorgenson, Adam Kuhl, Daniel Loupos and Somerfield.
Captain Jase Bateman will hope to lead from the front and will look for support from the likes of Jack Mullan, George Kidman, Jack Schulz and Mark Smith.
Mullan and Kidman are also handy bowlers for the Eagles, while the side’s main wicket-taking option will be Michael Waters.
Waters will not only need to target Somerfield, as Josh Thompson has also found form for the Demons.
But the pair has played a lone hand for South so far and the Eagles will look to put pressure on their opponent’s out-of-form players.
The odds are stacked against Penola, but the home-ground advantage could play a factor in the short-paced match on the weekend.
EAST GAMBIER v MIL LEL
EAST Gambier will aim to chase down Mil Lel’s competitive total on the final day of the pair’s round three Barber Shield cricket match at Scott Park tomorrow.
Mel Lel set the Bulldogs 202 runs for victory and the home side started positively to score 0/33 before stumps.
Darren Whitehorn and Connor Little appeared settled at the crease and scored 19 and 11 runs respectively.
The pair will hope to continue their strong start and give the likes of Dion Stratford, Alex Hentschke and Emerson Marks a platform to build on.
With plenty of run-scoring options in the shed, the Bulldogs would feel confident they can challenge for victory.
But the weather could have its say and make it tough to score.
If the rain does arrive before play, the 170 runs required will suddenly appear as an imposing number and surviving will be the first priority.
Mil Lel’s bowlers will relish the conducive conditions and look to attack the East batsmen.
Ben Thiel, Jonathan Allcock and Jack Miller will charge in with their tails up, while spinner Tom Nieuwerkerk will hope to hold down an end.
But time is against the visitors as any breaks in play will reduce their chances of taking the 10 wickets required for victory.
If play does eventuate, the conditions bring the game into Mil Lel’s hands and make the Bulldogs’ task increasingly difficult.
