East Gambier v North Sportsman’s
East Gambier will host North Sportsman’s at Allan Scott Park in what will be an incredibly important result for both sides’ Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association seasons.
As the Barber Shield enters round 9 East and North will both be playing finals but their spots in the top four are yet to be determined.
The Tigers are sitting just behind the top of the table West Gambier and a win over East may see the side go into the final game of the home and away season on top.
For East Gambier it sits third and while first may be too far off with two matches left it’s stil possible to secure a top two spot and a win against the Tigers would place East in contention with one match left.
North Sportsman’s Declan Kenny has been in form with the ball in recent weeks, while East Gambier’s Marc Roberts has been a dangerous prospect for the opposition top order.
With bat in hand Elliot Fisher for the Tigers has shown form in all formats, while Dion Stratford has looked better in recent weeks and is due for a big score.
Both sides have looked hard to beat at points this season, East Gambier however has been more inconsistent and will need to build some winning momentum off its big win last week.
The winner will be in good form heading into the most important time of the year, for the loser it will need to regroup and prepare for the final match of the home and away season.
South Gambier v Penola
South Gambier and Penola’s finals hopes may be over for this season but both sides still have lots to play for in the remaining two matches.
South Gambier has been fighting hard all season but has been struggling against quality opposition, but hosting Penola at Blue Lake Sports Park is a perfect chance to get a second win on the board for the season.
For Penola it will be aware that this is its best opportunity to get its first win of the season and with only one other match left this year it’s running out of chances.
If Penola cannot beat South Gambier then it will need to beat West Gambier in order to avoid an entire season without a win.
Jack Mullan and Drew Clayfield will need to provide runs with the bat for Penola.
South Gambier’s Sam Bradbrook will be an important wicket, having batted well last match against West Gambier and earlier this season smashing a century against Penola.
Both sides have something to play for so the contest should be fierce.
Whoever can stick it out at the crease should be able to get the job done in what will be a battle between bat and ball.
West Gambier v Mil Lel
Mil Lel is out of contention for a top two spot but come the first week of finals there is a good chance its opposition may be West Gambier and the winner of this match will take a much needed edge over the opposition.
West Gambier has a tight grip on first place but still needs to win at least one of its final two matches to stay top.
The side has been exceptional this season and at times has looked far and away the best team in the competition.
The Roos’ batting lineup is very strong and the recent return of Jake Blackwell has made it even stronger.
Sam Willis has been in exceptional form and Bray Stephenson has been reliable, meaning Mil Lel has its work cut out to get the result.
Nick Walters is coming off an undefeated 52 against North Sportsman’s but will need support from the rest of the top order.
Mil Lel is yet to beat a team in the top four this season, something that will need to be done in the next two rounds if it is to be considered a serious contender.
Mil Lel struggled with the ball against North Sportsman’s only taking four wickets for the 80 overs on day one, if it is to beat West Gambier then the bowling attack must be more threatening – especially early.
Both sides have a lot riding on the match but West Gambier should be too good for Mil Lel at Malseed Park.
