An unlikely hero propelled West Gambier to first-innings honours on a dramatic opening day against South Gambier when batters struggled to survive in the heat of Marist Park.
The eighth round of the 2021/22 Hoggies Wines Barber Shield started in soaring temperatures and the Demons held the aces when the coin landed Cam Jorgensen’s way.
When players strolled onto the field smeared in sunblock, few could have predicted the man who would have a biggest say with bat and ball.
Jake Blackwell is best known for his keeping abilities and batting prowess, but on Saturday he stripped off the gloves for the first time this summer and had the time of his life with the ball.
Despite having only bowled twice in his 67-game Barber Shield career, Blackwell showcased a similar amount of trickery to Colin Miller.
He started bowling leg-spin to the right-handers before switching to off breaks when the southpaws were on strike to ensure the ball turned away and challenged the outside edge to all batters.
The cunning thinking worked a treat as Blackwell spun a web to collect 4/21 as South was bundled out for 93.
On a high from his career best figures, Blackwell then proceeded to frustrate the Demons even further with the bat, blasting an imperious 56 to seal the first-innings points with a day to spare.
With the heat taking its toll on players the game crawled into action as South barely eclipsed a run rate of one an over.
The West seamers were giving the Demons’ openers no margin for error and after only being able to register one run from his 39-ball stay, Ryan Kuhl was dismissed by Richard Crute.
The Roos’ skipper was leading the assault with his metronomic length and picked up another scalp when Jakob Opie played a frustrated shot which went straight down the throat of mid on.
With only one boundary being scored in the first 19 overs, new batter Jed Sims tripled the fours tally in the space of two balls, while the set Dan Loupos welcomed Oliver Miles to the bowling attack with a big six over long on.
But just when Loupos looked set to score a commanding half century and lead South out of the mire towards a strong total to set up the pursuit of a first win since round 2, he became the second batter to throw their wicket away being caught on the leg side after a rash shot.
The departure of the dangerous opener opened the door for the hosts and the Roos jumped at the chance with glee.
Michael and Jed Sims fell in back-to-back overs, while Stephan Easterbrook was able to show some fight scoring a quick-fire 20.
But once his cameo was over the Demons had little left.
The last four wickets fell inside 13 balls as Blackwell started to spin his way through the Demons order.
The clutter of wickets provided West with the chance to cruise to the win and the bowlers to enjoy a well-earned respite from the heat, but South was not going down without a fight.
DeJong was skittled for a six-ball duck, while Alex Hill was handed a Golden Globe after Opie started his spell in fiery fashion.
At 2/3 it was suddenly anyone’s game, but it was always going to be Blackwell’s day.
The left-hander was in fine form, dominating strong stands alongside Jack Geddes and Sam Willis which pushed West to the edge of glory.
Although a mix up between the wickets cut short Blackwell’s innings on 56, his knock ensured the Roos could wrap up the points in the penultimate over of the day and push for an outright when play resumes this weekend.
