James Murphy
EAST GAMBIER v NORTH SPORTSMAN’S
THE top four of the 2023-24 Barber Shield cricket competition are locked in, but there will still be something at stake when East Gambier hosts North Sportsman’s over the next two weeks.
Round 9 of the season is another two-day clash, with the Bulldogs and Tigers fighting for second place on the ladder.
Currently North holds second spot by 4.7 points over East, courtesy of an extra win.
Both sides enter the round off strong wins.
The Bulldogs claimed an outright victory at home over Penola last round, holding the winless Eagles to a combined 63 runs over two innings.
North on the other hand scored big with 314 runs on day one, before its bowlers backed up on Day 2 ensuring Mil Lel was never a threat.
The wicket at Alan Scott Park clearly favoured the bowlers last round, with East itself only scoring 92 runs.
That adds some intrigue to the coming clash, as the Bulldogs and the Tigers both boast impressive bowling lineups.
East often looks to captain Alex Hentschke with ball in hand and he enters off an eight-wicket haul across the two innings last round.
He only gave up 11 runs during his combined 20 overs, which is impressive to say the least.
Throw in Mar Roberts, who has also been a wicket-taking machine of late, along with Emerson Marks, Liam Turley and Ben Hentschke and the Bulldogs have depth to spare.
It is a similar story at North.
The Tigers had a total of eight bowlers in action against Mil Lel and five of those claimed at least one wicket.
Declan Kenny was the most prolific on the day, taking 4/27.
Isaac Mulraney has been solid all season, while Nick McInerney and Tim Young are always on the hunt for a bag.
Thomas Madigan popped up with two wickets last week and could be another to watch.
With the bat all the same names have impressed, with both teams well balanced.
Michael Johnston looms large for North following his unbeaten ton of 131 runs last round.
He will be a vital wicket for the Bulldogs, while Elliott Fisher is another who has proven dangerous at the crease.
For East Dion Stratford is always reliable with bat in hand, while Riley Flamank had a recent half century he will be eager to replicate.
A good battle should unfold, providing the pitch holds up.
