East Gambier has assembled one of the most sound squads on paper in the Barber Shield, but the cricket gods have not been with Alex Hentschke’s men.

In 2019-20, the Bulldogs played their first Grand Final in a decade and a flying Kieron Ashby destroyed their hopes of a come-from-behind win.

The finals pain did not disappear last summer either when a rampant Lachlan Jones stopped East 11 runs short of a dramatic semi-final victory.

The tough defeats mask the progress Hentschke’s team has made in recent years where it has climbed from the bottom to the top of the ladder within three seasons.

Last season the Bulldogs were strong with the red and white ball thanks to a number of strong performers.

The express-pace captain led the seam attack taking a competition-high 25 wickets whilst conceding just 1.84 runs an over.

Hentschke was backed up nicely by young gun Liam Turley, while other juniors Jimmy Sullivan and Jack Lawrance could force their way into consideration.

The pace stocks have taken a hit as East must get used to life without seasoned fast bowler Ben Clark.

However, the “spin to win” mantra is very much alive with Emerson Marks, Ben Hentschke and Kev Thomson keen to make life difficult for opposition batters once again.

A couple of new-player signings are led by Steven Cameron, who has impressed with the willow in the nets.

The former St Andrews batter from Hamilton has played for five different clubs in the past, but has hit four centuries across the border.

Cameron’s presence will be a welcome addition amongst other big names such as Dion Stratford, Marks, Hentschke and Connor Little in the top order.

The superstar captain and reigning Whitty Medalist Hentschke said his boys are keen for success.

“We will look to build onto what we have had in the last few years being around the mark and not quite getting the job done,” he said.

“We have unfinished business, so hopefully this year is our year and we will come out firing this weekend.”