James Murphy
ROUND 5 of the Dycer Constructions Big Bash competition will be held over two days and marks the final minor round of the 2022-23 event.
There will be plenty on the line, with just one win separating the first four teams, but only the top two at the conclusion of the round will appear in next Friday’s grand final.
EAST GAMBIER v NORTH SPORTSMANS
Sunday’s sole Big Bash fixture will be played between East Gambier and North Sportsmans at Allan Scott Park from 11am.
While the Tigers may be out of the running this year, the Bulldogs will want to maintain their top position and ensure a place in the grand final.
The Bulldogs have welcomed a steep improve from last season’s Big Bash and have dropped just one game to date.
That came against third-placed Penola in Round 2, while a highlight of the minor rounds has been their convincing win over last year’s champions West Gambier.
Their last outing was a solid effort against Mil Lel, where a well-rounded batting performance secured the victory.
Zach Jones (22 runs), Emerson Marks (20), Alex Hentschke (24) and Travis Younghusband (23 not-out) kept the ship stable throughout the innings, while Connor Little and Liam Turley were best with the ball and claimed three wickets each.
The same culprits will be looked to on Sunday, in what East will see as a must-win clash.
North has mustered just one win this campaign, which came against the Roos last round.
The Tigers will hope to finish on a high, but will be hard pressed to topple the Bulldogs.
WEST GAMBIER v PENOLA
A Tuesday evening fixture between West Gambier and Penola will unfold at Malseed Park.
It will be a must-win for the Eagles, who currently sit in third position with two wins and two losses.
They will chase a solid win over the Roos, while will also rely on losses to either Mil Lel or East for a chance to slip into the top two.
Penola comes off a close loss to South Gambier, which was preceded by an even closer defeat at the hands of Mil Lel.
It will be eager to rediscover its form from the opening two rounds, while West will be out to throw a spanner in the works.
The Roos can not make the grand final, a disappointing outcome after winning the cup last year.
Despite below average results, their Round 2 performance was commendable with the likes of Jake Blackwell (52 runs) and Trent Badman (four wickets) the standouts.
An intriguing battle could unfold, but the likely story will be a win to the Eagles and with it a chance at a grand final appearance.
The match is scheduled for a 5.20pm start.
MIL LEL v SOUTH GAMBIER
The second Tuesday night match will take place at Frew Park between Mil Lel and South Gambier.
The equation is simple for Mil Lel, win and they remain in the top two and earn a place in the grand final.
However, the Demons are sure to push the hosts to the finish.
Their most recent outing was a final-over victory against Penola and they will be out to cause another upset this round.
While technically still in contention for the grand final, South’s net run rate may let it down.
Regardless, Mil Lel will need to keep a close eye on the likes of Robert Drenthen and Daniel Loupos with the bat, while Jakob Opie enters the clash off a five-wicket haul.
Mil Lel has been well served by Logan Gibbs in both disciplines and he will look to fire again.
The home team will enter as slight favourites, but should the Demons bring their best it could cause a last-minute mix up on the leaderboard.
The game tips off from 5.20pm.
