THE South East representative cricket side is ready to fight for the senior Country Cup, which begins in Adelaide today.
A squad of 14 includes some of the region’s finest cricketers, who will play against the best country talent for state honours.
South East is determined to get its hands back on the trophy after it was forced to give up its 2017/18 title to Yorke Peninsula last season.
To reach the final this year, South East must lead a group including Eyre Peninsula, Fleurieu and Districts and the defending champions.
Despite a tough campaign ahead, South East captain Nick McInerney looks forward to the challenge.
“We are looking forward to another good carnival,” he said.
“We always seem to be around the mark because a lot of players put their hands up, so it is good to continue with a strong group.”
South East playing-coach Robert Drenthen has similar belief in the team.
“The side is a lot more settled than a lot of club sides,” Drenthen said.
“Most of the guys know their role because we have played in so many carnivals together.
“This will be my 10th campaign and many have played about eight, so having the same guys coming back is why we remain pretty strong.”
Despite eight changes being made from last season’s team, many familiar faces will return in the South East colours.
Although Matt McInerney and Adam Somerfield have not played a Barber Shield game this season, the pair are set to perform vital roles for their traditional home after playing in Adelaide’s First Grade competition.
McInerney has a strong record at the Country Cup with two centuries and was the tournament’s leading run scorer in 2018, averaging 90, while Somerfield was the best South East batsman in 2019.
Nick McInerney said the duo brings a wealth of knowledge.
“They will bring leadership and experience about not only the Adelaide conditions, but just the way they play so much more cricket up there,” he said.
“We have played about six games down here, where as they have played around 19 games in Adelaide, so that sort of continuous cricket and leadership will be great for the group.”
Despite the team possessing many tireless campaigners, there will also be a young duo making the senior Country Cup debut.
All-rounders Sam Willis and Tom Nieuwerkerk have received call ups and will be keen to make their marks.
McInerney said the youngsters have performed for a long period of time.
“They are two very good players and it is always good to blood youngsters into the group,” he said.
“Sam has taken a mountain of wickets and is also pretty handy with the bat.
“Tom has been a stand out and we have had our eye on him for several years.
“He is a really good all-rounder and will be a strong player in Adelaide conditions.”
However, there is a trio of players from outside the Mount Gambier area including Lucindale’s Sam Greatz and Mundulla pair Luke Wiese and Jake McGrice.
Drenthen said they will also be key contributors to the side.
“They are all good players and definitely wont be passengers,” he said.
“Luke is a former Outbacks player who bowls well with the new rock, while Jack is a classy batsman and Greatz took us apart in a Twenty20 before.”
The competition is a challenging prospect for all players involved with four games played in a short period of time.
Tactics will play a big part with teams forced to tackle different fielding restrictions.
It is for this reason McInerney has put down a major focus bringing the team together in his first season at the helm.
He hopes becoming a combination off the field can produce success on the pitch.
“The competition is a step up and you have got to be switched on,” he said.
“We have a big emphasis on socialising and getting together off the field for the first couple of nights, so hopefully the on-field stuff can take care of itself.”
With a tight-knit group which holds plenty of depth and experience, McInerney is confident about his side’s aspirations.
“We have a good mix of batters, bowlers, youth and experience,” he said.
“Hopefully we can perform well early, build momentum into the final couple of days and hold up the trophy.”
