James Murphy
AFTER the weekend’s round of Barber Shield cricket was abandoned under the heat rule, players will be eager to get another game under their belt this Saturday.
This week Penola hosts South Gambier in the two-day format for Round 9 and if all goes to plan it will be the former’s fifth completed game for the season.
The Eagles have been caught out by the weather on four occasions throughout their 2022-23 campaign so far, but with three wins and a loss they still hold onto second place on the ladder.
Penola and South are yet to play each other this season, with their Round 2 fixture abandoned due to rain.
However, with some solid performances from both rosters, a good game should be expected.
The Demons have had a well-rounded bowling attack this season, with Robbie Drenthen, Jakob Opie, Camron Jorgenson and Elwood Geary all firing with ball in hand.
At the crease they have relied on the likes of Drenthen, Stephen Easterbrook and Adam Kuhl as consistent performers.
The Eagles boast plenty of talent with bat and ball, with their most recent outing against Mil Lel prior to the break rewarding Zac Zema with a five wicket haul.
He was backed up by batsmen Jack Mullan (40 runs), Mark Smith (39 not-out) and Drew Clayfield (41) in a dominant display.
The same culprits will be looked to this round, but Mullan’s presence could be questionable due to Country Championships commitments.
The final round is to be played today, which does allow time for a return trip, but that remains to be seen.
Penola will enter the round as favourite but the coin toss will go a long way to deciding the outcome.
The Demons will rely heavily on their bowlers, be it this week or next, while the Eagles will look for a strong opening day to set themselves up for the following Saturday.
