Some of the top cricketers from the South East have travelled to Adelaide to compete in the SACA Senior Country Cup this week.
The side will play at least three games as they take on Northern, Alice Springs and Murray Districts/ Barrier.
Most of the side is made up of players from the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association with a few others from different associations in the area.
East Gambier’s Ben Hentschke has been selected while Penola’s Jack Mullan and Michael Waters will also represent the South East.
West Gambier’s Jake Blackwell, Justin de Jong and Sam Willis are in the team, along with Mil Lel’s Jack Miller, South Gambier’s Robbie Drenthen and North Sportsmans’ Isaac Mulraney.
They are joined by Rendelsham’s Jake Wight and Willalooka’s James Alexander and Tom Moyle-Read.
East Gambier’s Alex Hentschke is captaining the side.
On the eve of the carnival, Hentschke said he was pleased with the depth and strength of his team.
“The side is looking good this year, we’re confident with who has put their hand up, and that we have a strong group going into the carnival,” he said.
“Hopefully we will go well, it’s always a tough tournament so want to get a win on the Monday and work from there.”
Hentschke has a few players in mind he believes will be in for a good carnival.
“This year we have quite an even group, where everyone has the ability to be able to get the job done,” he said.
“I’d watch for Ben Hentschke in his first carnival and Jack Mullan with the bat. Both guys have been hitting the ball really well this year.
“With the ball Michael Waters has taken a lot of wickets at home so he should be a handful, but I’d watch for the likes of Jack Miller and Isaac Mulraney to have big weeks.”
Hentschke believes the competition in Adelaide will be tough give the quality of cricketers taking part in the carnival.
“Competition is always tough up there, there are a lot of good cricketers in the comp so hopefully we gel together as a group and can have a good week,” he said.