Picture: THOMAS MILES
THE 2019/20 Barber Shield will take a break this weekend, as the cricket world turns its attention to the test match at the Adelaide Oval.
The one-week hiatus allows fans to take a look back at a slightly unconventional start to the season.
Wet weather has left players frustrated after five games were washed out across the opening four rounds.
The soggy start to proceedings has shaken up the pecking order, with some contenders in unexpected positions.
South Gambier sits at the top of the ladder after a pair of solid white-ball victories.
If the Demons can translate their form into the longer format, an early finals berth awaits.
East Gambier leads a tight battle for the runner-up position.
The Bulldogs have battled an up-and-down beginning, with a victory sandwiched between two defeats and they will search for consistency through the second half of the season.
The last top-four places are filled by West Gambier and North Sportsman’s.
Despite the loss of some key personnel, the Roos have fought hard and their come-from-behind victory over the Bulldogs in round two galvanised the squad.
The Tigers have been below their best with the bat, but their bowlers continue to show class.
With both home games washed out and a 50-50 away record after two nail-biting encounters, last season’s reigning premiers will be hungry to rediscover their best.
The most rain-effected teams were Mil Lel and Penola.
The pair did not take the field until rounds three and four respectively, but responded with a victory each last round.
As warmer weather arrives, fans should have a clearer indication of the leading contenders by the Christmas break, with teams hoping to shake off the rust and build momentum.
BARBER SHIELD LADDER
