James Murphy
EAST GAMBIER 4/150 d NORTH SPORTSMAN’S 9/65
EAST Gambier made history on Sunday when winning its first ever Mount Gambier and District cricket Twenty20 Big Bash title.
The triumph came at the expense of North Sportsman’s after the Bulldogs put in an impressive display to win the clash by 85 runs.
The Bulldogs took the long way around, finishing second and facing a semi-final clash against Penola prior to the deciding match.
A comfortable win had them build good momentum before North Sportsman’s took to the pitch for the feature game of the day.
The Tigers finished top of the ladder and booked themselves the early spot in the grand final, but ultimately it may have proven their downfall.
Having already played a full game, East carried red-hot form into the bout and after winning the toss for the second time that day, elected to bat first.
It proved a fruitful decision despite a somewhat shaky start, which had Harrison Evans and Jacob Carger dismissed cheaply for a duck and two runs respectively.
With the score at 2-19 captain Emerson Marks joined opener Ben Hentschke at the crease.
Although Hentschke’s wicket fell for 19 shortly after, Marks went on to score a game-high 45-not-out.
He was joined by Jake Wight next and the duo amassed a partnership of 62 runs before Wight was caught off a Declan Kenny delivery for 41.
Wight’s performance was highlighted by four sixes and his score proved pivotal on the day.
Alex Hentschke padded up next and he saw out the 20 overs alongside Marks.
Marks’ 45 runs included three fours and two sixes, while Alex Hentschke made 36 runs off 21 balls, also with three fours and two sixes.
Setting a target of 150 runs, East then geared up for an impressive bowling display.
Wickets fell quite freely throughout North’s batting innings and by the 12th over the Tigers were 6/48.
The going did not get any easier and while Tim Young and Matt Robinson were left unbeaten at the crease, seeing out the 20 overs, the final score of 65 was a far cry from the target.
Marks was the leading wicket taker with four and his efforts with bat and ball earned him the man of the match medal.
Ben Hentschke was a close second for the award, with his efforts with the ball and in the field another highlight.
Speaking after the match, Marks was rightly pleased with the outcome of the day.
“I think it is a big advantage playing the two games,” he said.
“Getting two toss wins as well on a deck that offered a lot for the batters – to get those toss wins and bat first and set scores in both games was a big advantage.
“And then there was the trust in our bowlers to come in the second innings and stick to our strengths to take the win.”
Marks was happy with his individual performance, but credited his team for putting the finishing touches on some important wickets.
“Considering how I have been going this year it was good to get a few runs on the board,” he said.
“I wouldn’t have taken those wickets without the fielding efforts from the boys.”
East’s bowling perfectly complemented its batting, with both scores on Sunday easily defended.
In terms of stand outs, Marks named a couple of players he thought were invaluable.
“Our batting order was pretty stacked,” he said.
“We had Carger and Ben Hentschke making over 50 in the first game and that sort of set the mood for the day.
“In the second game Jake Wight came out and could hit the ball flush from ball one.
“Dion Stratford didn’t even bat – to have one of the best batters in the league not needed to bat was massive.
“Also the other spinner Ben Hentschke, he bowled well and didn’t give (North) much – I think he only got hit for a boundary once or twice for the day.
“He took a few catches as well and catches win matches.”
East will now turn its attention to the Barber Shield competition, where the final minor round starts this weekend.
The Bulldogs sit in second position, two points clear of North.
At this point in the season they are the only teams which can still change positions on the ladder, with the next two weeks to determine their places prior to finals.
