Mil Lel V South Gambier

With Mil Lel’s loss against East Gambier in last week’s Barber Shield, its disappointing season continued with seven straight defeats.

South Gambier is coming off a huge win against Penola and will be full of confidence it can go all the way.

While the game looks like a predictable result, never doubt the unpredictability of this season of Barber Shield.

Mil Lel will be desperate to get a win to finish its season on a high, however South will be desperate to get a win to guarantee a finals spot and possibly even a top two.

Mil Lel’s batting struggles have been extremely frustrating for the team throughout the year and if it can turn the form around they can go into the next week and next season full of confidence.

But with a significant tail wag last week, if their top order can perform well Mil Lel could score big.

A side with nothing to lose is a dangerous one and South will have to be at its best to claim a victory against Mil Lel.

West Gambier V Penola

West Gambier is almost locked in as minor premiers after its demolition of North Gambier last round.

The side’s first two-day win of the season means it has no reason to not be confident to take out the Barber Shield this season.

Their batting line-up has consistently provided multiple outlets of run scorers, but Penola’s strong bowling attack will seek to nullify its opposition.

Some strong performances from the Penola batsmen will be required as West has posted large totals this season.

Penola will need a win to keep its top two chances alive which the side will be desperate to achieve.

Early wickets will be on the side of whichever team has a bowl first, as it can shape the next two days of play in a huge way.

A high-stakes battle between first and third in the penultimate game of the home and away season is sure to be brilliant cricket and a highly entertaining contest.

North Gambier V East Gambier

North Gambier has made things difficult for itself with an opportunity for a finals place requiring a win against East Gambier in the penultimate game of the Barber Shield season.

East on the other hand looks all but guaranteed a spot should it beat North this week and could possibly lock in a top two spot should it win the last round match.

North Gambier had several different batsmen contribute, but a complete team effort will be the key to success.

More low scores means its total will not be good enough to get over the line against high quality opponents.

East’s bowling attack has performed brilliantly since the start of the second half of the season with many different key wicket-takers.

Captain Alex Hentschke (pictured) has led the way in terrific form coming off a five-wicket haul against Mil Lel and will be eager to continue this form.

North Gambier will also have to be wary of the destruction the middle order batsmen can do for East.

This means early wickets for North will not guarantee a small total and the Tigers will require consistent wickets and not let any partnerships build.

Both sides will be desperate to see their team get over the line, for North the consequences of the result are huge.

For East, a loss could start the side off on the wrong foot ahead of finals action.