The battle for the 2020-21 Hoggies Wines Barber Shield resumes this Saturday with another intriguing round of one-day cricket to kick off the new year.
At the halfway mark of the Mount Gambier and District Cricket Association season, there are still many unanswered questions in the finals race.
East Gambier has been the team to beat so far and enjoys a 10-point lead at the top of the ladder.
The side is well-led by Alex Hentschke and has a balanced bowling attack with numerous spin and seam options.
However, the Bulldogs cannot afford to be complacent with plenty of cricket to come as the remaining five sides are all nipping at their heels and ready to pounce on any slip ups.
Penola, North Sportsman’s and South Gambier are locked on two wins each and how the next couple rounds play out could be crucial to their respective finals hopes.
West Gambier endured a roller-coaster ride across the opening five rounds and could be at the pointy end of the ladder if things fell its way.
After two agonising defeats, a washout and a tie, the Roos finally tasted success against the Tigers just before Christmas and captain Richard Crute hopes the break-through result can turnaround his side’s fortunes.
Although Mil Lel sits at the bottom and has not tasted any success since round two, the team is still in the finals race.
On their day Jack Miller’s men can be a force and will strive for a bit more consistency with bat and ball to become a finals contender.
Mil Lel hosts reigning-premier North Sportsman’s at Frew Park.
The Tigers are hungry to find their best after an inconsistent start to the season and could be bolstered by the return of captain Nick McInerney from injury.
McInerney leads North’s batting and bowling averages this season and will be one to watch out for throughout the game.
On paper North starts as the favourite, but the likes of Craig Lock and Jonathan Allcock aim to make life difficult.
West embarks on the road trip to McCorquindale Park to meet with Penola.
The Eagles are undefeated playing with the white ball at home as Mark Smith has been a revelation since becoming captain.
But the Roos have plenty of crafty operators such as Sam Willis and Kyal Chapman, who can win games on their own.
Scott Park hosts the battle between East and South Gambier.
The Bulldogs have been formidable at home as Alex Hentschke, Liam Turley and Emerson Marks have enjoyed plenty of success with the ball.
They will be tough to beat, but the Demons hope the likes of David Somerfield, Robert Drenthen and Adam Kuhl can rise to the challenge.
