James Murphy
MIL LEL v PENOLA
MIL Lel has been the surprise package of the Barber Shield cricket competition this season and it will chase a fourth over the next two weekends.
Fresh off a solid victory over South Gambier, another home game will have it host Penola at Frew Park for a two-day Round 5 clash.
Penola has had a rough start to the year, with three losses capped off by a cancelled fixture last round due to rain.
The Eagles had North Sportsman’s right where they wanted them, 4/25 at the conclusion of Day 1, but unfortunately the weather gods had other ideas.
They will be eager to bounce back this round, but will need another strong performance with bat and ball to best an in-form Mil Lel.
Michael Waters has started the season well and his 61 runs topped the sheets for the Eagles last round.
Jack Mullan also found his groove with 42, while Jacob Robbie was another key contributor with 33 runs.
Waters has also impressed with the ball, making him one to watch out for on both days.
Mullan is another capable bowler, while Gerard Merrett has also had his moments.
Back in Round 2 the short-format clash with Mil Lel saw Penola’s target chased down without too much trouble.
On that day Mil Lel captain Jack Miller top scored with 65-not-out, while young talent Mitchell Little claimed four wickets.
Little enters the round in fine form, off the back of another four-wicket haul against the Demons.
The likes of Miller, Harry Hicks and Dale Bachmann are also dangerous with ball in hand, while the latter put in a top performance with the bat last week.
Bachmann finished up on 61 runs, while Toby Grigg’s 48 complemented a solid batting performance.
A close game could unfold and Mil Lel will look to use every ounce of the home-ground advantage to keep the Eagles flightless.
