James Murphy
MIL LEL v EAST GAMBIER
MIL Lel will plan to start the new year better than it finished 2023.
The Barber Shield ladder leader put in a lacklustre performance against West Gambier in Round 6, but now open 2024 at Frew Park in the one-day format against reigning premier East Gambier.
The two teams are yet to meet in the Barber Shield competition this season which will leave plenty to work out on the pitch.
Mil Lel has been the most improved of 2023-24.
It only won a single game in its previous campaign, but has so far been proficient with both bat and ball.
Captain Jack Miller has led his troops well and his individual performance has set a good example.
A five-wicket haul in Round 5 was a highlight, while he also has a couple of solid batting efforts under his belt.
There seems to be good depth in both disciplines this year, with Craig Hicks and Toby Grigg also having five-wicket bags to their names.
Mitchell Little had four-wicket performances in Round 2 and 4, while the likes of Harry Hicks and Dale Bachmann have also had their moments.
Will Rowland has been a key run-maker, while youngsters Archer Virtanen and Darcy Williamson have been solid as well.
Looking at the Bulldogs and they sit in fourth place with an even split of three wins and losses.
They also enter Round 7 off the back of a disappointing encounter, losing to North Sportsman’s by 93 runs.
East felt the absence of captain Alex Hentschke on that occasion, with the big hitter scoring an unbeaten 108 runs the previous round.
He is also a vital part of the Bulldogs’ bowling attack, having backed up his century with eight wickets across South’s two batting innings.
It will be hoped for his return this week, while the likes of Liam Turley, Ben Hentschke, Emerson Marks and Marc Roberts are also looked to with ball in hand.
With the bat Roberts comes off a 37-point effort, while Connor Little, Ben Robinson and James Sullivan have all had solid outings in recent rounds.
The match should be an even contest if both teams are at full strength, but Mil Lel could have the slight edge.
