AN intriguing one-day game is set to take place at Marist Park tomorrow, when North Sportsman’s face East Gambier in round seven of Barber Shield cricket.
Both sides will miss their highly-rated batsmen, with the home team to be without opener Jake Schutz and the Bulldogs lacking the services of wicket-keeper Dion Stratford.
The pair leave a major hole in their respective sides, most notably for the Tigers, who have struggled to perform with the bat even with Schutz at the top of the order.
The reigning premiers sit at the bottom of the ladder with just one win to their name.
But that success did come against East and will give the yellow and black a major boost.
North’s fast bowling cartel of Tim Young, Declan Kenny, Kayne Badman and Nick McInerney were the match winners in that low-scoring two-day match.
The quartet found a way to defend a small score of 106 by knocking East over for just 76 with tight line and length.
North’s bowlers will be ready to unleash after the Christmas break and will be eager to cause havoc against a Stratford-less opposition.
However, the Tigers’ major concern has been with the bat.
They are screaming for consistent performers at the crease after a disappointing opening six rounds.
Aside from Kieran Ashby’s 125 in a losing cause against Mil Lel, not one North player has brought up a half century.
The lack of runs has put increasing pressure on the Tigers’ bowlers and the batsmen must find a way to reverse the trend to keep their title defence alive.
But East captain Alex Hentschke has other ideas.
The aggressive opening paceman has been at his best since he took over the leadership reigns with 20 wickets in five games, including a bag of 10 against North.
He has strong support from opening partner Ben Clark, while spin bowlers Emerson Marks and Ben Hentschke can also be a factor.
The Bulldogs believe they can improve on their previous effort at the crease against the Tigers after strong responses in their last two outings.
East chased down tricky scores against Penola and South and hopes it has the depth to cover Stratford’s absence.
Youngster Marks found his feet with a gritty half century to push the Bulldogs across the line against the Eagles, while Darren Whitehorn has made a number of solid contributions without going onto a big score.
The Hentschke brothers can add some firepower to the middle order, which could be pivotal in the one-day game.
Both sides will fancy their chances to claim the white-ball contest, but the Bulldogs’ strong recent form could edge out the home side.
