James Murphy
NORTH SPORTSMAN’S 3/132 v SOUTH GAMBIER 10/146
NORTH Sportsman’s sits in the box seat for victory after a strong showing against South Gambier at Marist Park on the weekend.
The Demons won the toss and chose to bat first, but it was tough going against a strong Tigers’ bowling outfit.
Opening batsmen Sam Bradbrook and Robbie Drenthen started well and finished up with 18 and 53 runs respectively.
However, it was not enough to support the tail end, which crumbled under the pressure on the day.
Stephen Easterbrook came in at third and he also made double figures, making a quick 18 runs off 12 balls, while Jed Sims had a lengthy stint at the crease saw out the innings.
Sims was joined briefly by Noah Maxwell, who was gone for a nine-ball duck, while Jakob Opie, Michael Sims and Ethan Hunt also had short appearances.
The trio combined for just two runs, before Kobi Maxwell entered and settled the ship somewhat with Sims.
Kobi made 26 runs in the end, before he was sent packing by a Nick McInerney catch off Isaac Mulraney.
From there it was all but over and Adam Vause scored a single run before his was the 10th wicket to fall.
Sims finished not out on 28, with the Demons 10/146 after 34 overs.
Tim Young topped the North bowling with 5/41, while Mulraney had two wickets and Declan Kenny, Elliott Fisher and McInerney had one each.
The Tigers padded up to bat out the remaining overs in the day and finished 3/132, just shy of a winning score.
Opener Nick Brown fell cheaply for one run, caught off a Drenthen ball, but after that the North batsmen were rock solid.
Nicholas Copping scored 30 runs before he was judged LBW off a Drenthen delivery, while Michael Johnston faced 82 balls on his way to 49, also out LBW.
Fisher and McInerney saw out the remaining overs and finished on 27 and 21 runs respectively at stumps.
The Tigers now head into Day 2 with confidence and may well chase an outright victory as the round unfolds.
