Bulldogs hold the cards

PRESSURE: Penola's Jack Schulz looks to score during Saturday's Barber Shield fixture. Pictures: TREVOR JACKSON

By Trevor Jackson

WITH the forecast temperature threatening to put an end to Barber Shield cricket on the weekend, all eyes were on the Bureau of Meteorology.

With the all-clear given, play went ahead in the Round 8, two-day fixture.

Over at Scott Park, Penola won the toss and elected to bat, but the heat was certainly taking its toll.

Only the top order made an impression on the scoreboard, with the bottom half failing to make much of a contribution as East tightened the screws.

Mark Smith led by example, with his 55 runs all that kept Penola in with a chance of a decent score.

The top three – Jack Schulz (11), Lewis March (5) and Lachie Jones (20) – struggled to keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Smith’s half-century also came at a steady rate, with 140 deliveries required to reach the milestone.

Smith departed, caught by Alex Hentschke off the bowling of Ben Hentschke, with the team total at 117.

Michael Waters built a steady 18-run innings but there was little more support.

In fact, he was back on the sidelines with the total at 130, then at 134 the final four wickets fell.

Todd Clayfield contributed four runs before his wicket triggered the collapse, with three ducks then to follow.

Ben Hentschke was the best with the ball with figures of 4/38.

With just 135 runs needed for victory, East looked in the box seat.

They headed back out into the heat to complete 11 overs before stumps, with a total of 0/30.