AFTER last week’s outright victory, premiers Bomaderry have taken a firm hold on top place in the South Coast Register Shoalhaven District Cricket Association first grade competition.
However the start of the series of one-day fixtures tomorrow will produce new challenges as the side takes on North Nowra-Cambewarra at Bomaderry Oval.
Shane Wallace and captain Jed Sawkins have started the season in top form for the home side.
However Michael Coulter’s scintillating 81 last week may see him given more opportunities in the top order.
Jason Bell is under a fitness cloud, but Paul Clements and Paul Sawkins will be looking to get among the runs.
Heading the attack are Stuart Jeffrey and Chris McCarron who will put pressure on the visitors.
However Coulter and Ben Lynch will not give much away, either.
Jordan Matthews returns after playing with Southern Zone 17s, and Heath Muller will play his first game of the season.
Although finishing with a draw last week, Norths will be encouraged by their performance with the bat.
Matthew Fairweather and Graham Davidson both played arguably their best knocks with the club.
Nick McDonald struck form in the Country Plate, and they will be backed up by Lachlan Lamont and Matt Hickmott.
The attack is spearheaded by Nigel Rowan and Gareth Hopwood, whose overs will be vital.
Skipper Adam Jackson and Brady Warren will take a turn, while spinner Hugh Gillen is not to be taken lightly.
Clark’s tip: Starting this season the way they finished off in 2008-09, you can’t go past Bomaderry.
• These clubs have met on only 34 previous occasions in first grade.
Bomaderry has 34 victories to its credit against Norths’ six (the last in 2002-03), and there have been six draws.
Berry to put on pressure
WHILE a lot of the faces are different, Berry-Shoalhaven Heads showed last week that it is still a club with plenty of spirit.
The win over Bay and Basin came against the odds, while the loss in the SCG Country Cup was a narrow one.
It will have confidence in tackling Ulladulla United at the Berry Sporting Complex.
Returning to the club, Chris Bramley and Carl Lang have the potential to be a solid opening combination.
While recruit Aaron French is under an injury cloud, last season’s average winner David Crapp is likely to have a big influence here.
Skipper Brad Carey and Scott Groves are also capable of boosting the total, if it gets down to them.
Carey’s spell will be crucial, for he has the ability to dismiss the best batsmen.
Glenn Brandon will return and possibly share the new ball, but Luke Bramley is unavailable.
An interesting inclusion is Mark Szczepanowski who was a handy cricketer when he last played in the SDCA.
United players will be keen to erase last Saturday’s batting effort from their minds, and focus on getting a start and going on.
First round century-maker Robert Cooke will be a key player, with Terry Dorrell and Harley Bell in the top order.
Captain Nathan Bell may move up the list to inspire his charges, while runs could also come from Douglas Chisholm and Joseph Lavalle.
Peter King had a superb spell against the leaders last round, and he will again be a threat.
Joel Turner, David Banks and Daniel Todeschini will also take a turn, with spinner Nathan Bell who will need to be on the spot.
Clark’s tip: Berry-Shoalhaven Heads looked good last weekend, and they should take the points.
• These clubs have met on 58 occasions since Ulladulla United arrived on the first grade scene in 1968-69.
There has been little between them with Berry winning 27 to United’s 22, and nine draws.
Cup form a guide
EX-SERVICEMEN will be hoping their scintillating form in the SCG Country Cup will continue when they tackle Nowra at Hayden Drexel Oval.
Half-centuries by captain Daniel Gleeson, Alex Butler and Warren Ganderton on Sunday led to a stunning victory over South Coast side, Albion Park.
The confidence from that game will be evident tomorrow, when runs will need to come at a rapid rate.
Simon Blizzard is back after being injured in the off-season, and former Nowra allrounder Matthew Ganderton has been chosen for his first club match.
George Dickie started the season in good form, while Michael Chambers and Scott Fagerlund will also be looking for runs.
The attack will be led by Matt Ganderton, Justin Ganderton and the Phillis brothers, Graham and Shane.
Other options include spinner Butler and Shane Mackey.
Nowra returns after the bye, heartened by the opening round victory which came after a disastrous first day.
Runs will be needed from Kurt Quinlan and Ben Lahene in the top order.
Nathan Bowden scores rapidly, and he will be well backed up by Jack Watts and Adam Quinlan.
Bowden is probably the most dangerous bowler, and he has the ability to take early wickets.
Alex Legge and Patrick Irvine will keep the pressure on, but the opposition should also be wary of spinner John King who bowled his team to victory against Norths.
Clark’s tip: Although there will be little in it, Ex-Servicemen have had much more cricket this summer and I expect this to sway the game in their favour.
• This will be the 98th clash between these old rivals in first grade.
Ex-Servicemen have a slight edge with 39 victories to Nowra’s 33, and there has been the rather large number of 25 draws.
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