AN unexpected opening half of the 2019-20 Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association season brought many surprises and sets up an intriguing finish to the Barber Shield when it returns this Saturday.
Weather heavily impacted the opening rounds, but with brighter skies on the horizon, the South East’s top players will look for their best when they return from the Christmas break.
South Gambier has been the pace setter so far and sits on top of the ladder.
Led by returning captain David Somerfield, a lightning start during the white-ball fixtures parachuted the Demons up to the front.
South has been able to hold the ascendancy since, despite consecutive defeats mid season.
In its last red-ball fixture, a well-rounded bowling attack responded emphatically to record the solitary outright victory of the season.
With the possible return of Dylan Clough, the Demons could be tough to catch as they look to continue their form.
Nipping at South’s heels is an improved East Gambier outfit.
The Bulldogs are just four points behind the Demons and gave them a scare with a big win in round five.
New captain Alex Hentschke has led his men to victories in three of the past four outings.
East has improved in all facets of the game and hopes to keep building momentum, with its next three games against bottom-four sides.
West Gambier exceeded expectations to earn third spot and has proved to be a difficult opponent to overcome.
The all-round feats of skipper Richard Crute have been the driving force behind the Roos’ success.
With West’s next pair of games against the competition’s two bottom teams, it hopes to score its first consecutive win of the season and lock down a top-four position.
Albeit, those teams are none other than 2018-19 grand finalists North Sportsman’s and Penola, who will both be eager to make a statement and claw their way into finals contention.
Mil Lel has transformed itself from the least productive batting side last season, into the most prolific.
It is the only team to break the 800-run barrier after the opening six rounds and has become a contender for higher honours this summer.
But Mil Lel needs to continue this form if it wants to hold onto its top-four position with a challenging fixture ahead.
Arguably the biggest surprise so far has been the fall of last season’s top two teams.
Rain pushed the Eagles onto the back foot from the outset after their first three games were washed out.
However, Penola bounced back well with a pair of wins, largely thanks to Michael Waters’ skill with the ball.
The Eagles must be at their best if they are to extend their season with a tough fixture ahead.
On the other hand, the Tigers have struggled to roar.
Aside from a Kieran Ashby century, North’s batsmen have not been able to put enough runs on the board.
The yellow and black will need to improve fast and find consistency if they are to keep their title defence alive.
A thrilling path towards the finals is anticipated, with all six sides in contention to seal a finals position.
