Players are padding up for one last bash before Christmas as some teams face a must-win scenario in tonight’s second round of the Dycer Constructions T20 competition.
The opening round losers may be visiting the last-chance saloon with the prospect of a finals berth incredibly difficult whilst possessing an 0-2 record.
One of those desperate sides is former short-format powerhouse South Gambier which needs to bounce back from defeat against Penola.
The Demons could not contain the Eagles’ batters, but some positives came out of the defeat such as Jakob Opie’s continual wicket-taking prowess and Dan Loupos’ entertaining 50.
South meets another tough opponent in Mil Lel which showed its ice-cool qualities holding off a rampant Millicent and District team in a tight run chase.
The Demons have happy memories from their previous T20 contest against Mil Lel where Robert Drenthen hit a 33-ball 57.
The key for South will be slowing down Mil Lel’s powerful top order and limiting its opponent’s wicket-taking abilities with the new ball and at the death.
Millicent and Penola will contest the other Pool A match on neutral turf at Marist Park.
The Eagles are the favourites being the reigning premiers plus carrying confidence from an opening round win.
However, Millicent showed it has what it takes by pushing Mil Lel to the final ball with Jacob Carger and Zach Jones notable performers.
Penola’s dangermen will be Mark Smith and Jack Mullan.
East Gambier and Gambier Central face a must-win scenario to stay alive in Pool B after receiving early-season touch ups.
For the second consecutive time in the T20 arena, the Bulldogs could not keep up with North Sportsman’s, while the Lions were outplayed by West Gambier.
The sides have never met in the shortest format and will be keen to read positive news in the first chapter.
A well-skilled side led by new captain Travis Younghusband should be too strong for the orange army, but look out for Josh Thompson on a high from last weekend’s B Grade double ton.
Two sides already enjoying the safety of a win underneath its belts are West Gambier and North Sportsman’s.
The pair will face off in what will likely determine the winner of Pool B, but more importantly will also be known as Pink Stumps Day.
Much like the Pink Test at the SCG, the WGCC has held an annual Pink Stumps Day to show support to the McGrath Foundation and its breast cancer research. Many players will dress in pink and some faces may turn rosy as well when the action on the pitch heats up.
The Tigers and Roos wrapped up convincing wins over East and Centrals respectively in near identical fashion.
The yellow and black can draw confidence from a huge in the corresponding fixture last summer where Jake Schutz almost outscored the entire West team.
Barbecue and bar facilities will be available at Malseed Park as fans prepare for a final adrenalin rush before the T20 season goes into a one-month hiatus.
