By Lachlan Onions
DAY 2 of Round 4 Barber Shield clashes will take place this Saturday where rain could impact the competition once again.
At Marist Park, South Gambier will resume proceedings at 0/23 in pursuit of North Sportsman’s 10/110.
Daniel Loupos is currently seven not out, while Robbie Drenthen is not out on 14.
With 88 runs needed for victory, the Demons’ two strongest batters will look to stay in as long as possible to help their side to their second win in the Barber Shield this season.
For the Tigers, Isaac Mulraney, Tim Young and Nicholas Mark will be the players to watch with the ball.
This game could go either way but if the weather remains playable for the full 80 overs, then the Demons should come away with the victory.
There is an interesting contest which has emerged at Frew Park as Penola is 3/38 and trails Mil Lel by 41 runs.
The visitors are favourites to win this encounter but the result is not set in stone.
On paper, the Eagles should cruise to victory relatively easily but after a batting collapse occurred in Round 3, where Penola lost 7/24 and with conditions expected to be difficult for batting, there is some hope for Mil Lel.
The partnership of Penola captain Drew Clayfield and opener Lewis March will be crucial on Saturday.
If the pair can survive the first five overs of the day unscathed, then it will be very difficult for the hosts to claim victory and Penola should claim its first Barber Shield victory of the season.
The third clash of the round is the most anticipated as West Gambier looks to defend its total of 99 against East Gambier at Malseed Park.
After being bowled out for 99, the hosts held the Bulldogs to just seven runs off eight overs before play was ended.
Ben Robinson is currently on five runs off 24 balls, while James Sullivan has faced the same amount of deliveries and added two runs to his side’s total.
The Bulldogs boast a strong batting line-up, with Dion Stratford and Alex Hill still to come in.
However, despite only 93 runs needed for victory, the Roos will still believe victory is in their sights as they lay claim to one of the stronger sides with the ball.
Bray Stephenson and Sam Willis will likely continue with the ball for the opening half an hour on Saturday but there is a variety of options at West Gambier’s disposal.
Nuwan Gunawardana will be a player to watch, while Jack Geddes, Kyal Chapman and Trent Badman will all look to have an impact with the ball.
In the first two Barber Shield games, West Gambier took 19 wickets for 221 runs so a victory is not out of the realms of possibility.
However, the hosts will need to be at their absolute best if they are to defend such a low total against one of the strongest sides in the competition and as a result, East Gambier will head into Day 2 as favourites.
