THE South East team to fight for the 2019-20 Senior Country Cup has been announced this week, with Mount Gambier’s top players expected to feature at the tournament set to begin in Adelaide on February 3.
Nine Mount Gambier cricketers were named in the 14-man squad, which will be led by North Sportsman’s captain Nick McInerney and coached by South Gambier’s Robert Drenthen.
McInerney heads a strong Tigers’ presence in the representative side, with Jake Schutz, Tim Young, Declan Kenny and his brother Matt included.
The North members arrive with strong recent form after the Christmas break and are expected to play major roles with both bat and ball.
Although Matt McInerney has not played in the South East this season, his knowledge of the venues will be an asset to the side after his summer playing district cricket in Adelaide.
Drenthen could be a handy all-round option for the team after his hot recent form and will be joined by fellow Demon Adam Somerfield.
Somerfield also has plenty of expertise of the anticipated conditions, having played 19 games for Tee Tree Gully in Adelaide’s 1st Grade this season with three half centuries.
The final two Mount Gambier players are Sam Willis and Tom Nieuwerkerk.
The youngsters have been rewarded for the strong bowling efforts over recent summers with a senior Country Cup debut.
Willis has spearheaded West Gambier’s attack with 22 wickets in six games, while Mil Lel’s Nieuwerkerk will be a reliable spinning option.
Penola is also well represented by Michael Waters and Mark Smith.
Waters has been a consistent force with the ball for a long time and will line up for his third Country Cup campaign in succession.
Smith will take the gloves in South East colours for the first time in six seasons and will be keen to make an impact after a string of solid Barber Shield performances.
The final three squad members are Lucindale’s Sam Greatz and Mundulla’s talented pair of Luke Wiese and Jake McGrice.
South East’s first game of the four-day country tournament is against Yorke Peninsula at Glenelg Oval on Monday, February 3.
