MIL Lel and South Gambier will push for first-innings honours when a low-scoring Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association contest resumes tomorrow at Frew Park.
The Demons’ undefeated start to the 2019/20 Barber Shield is in danger as the home side requires just 72 runs for victory.
But South is well in the hunt after it claimed four top-order wickets late on day one.
Robert Drenthen was the chief destroyer with three victims to keep his team alive.
The fast bowler dismissed Jarryd Burston, Ben Thiel and Todd Carpenter during an impressive 10-over spell.
Drenthen is a part of an unrelenting Demons’ bowling attack, well supported by the likes of David Somerfield, Adam Kuhl, Cam Jorgenson and Dan Loupos.
South’s bowlers will sense an opportunity to seal the win if they can find an early victim and break into Mil Lel’s fragile lower order.
Mil Lel has struggled with the bat for an extended period of time and few run-scorers remain behind not-out pair Craig Lock and Tom Nieuwerkerk.
Lock fought his way to 11 before stumps, while Nieuwerkerk will resume on three and has the ability to stick around.
If the duo can build on its 16-run stand, Mil Lel’s run chase will be much easier for the likes of Jack Miller, Paul Harding and Daniel Justin waiting with the pads on.
With both sides in vulnerable positions, whoever claims the first hour will most likely win.
