EX-SERVICEMEN will embark on what could be a nervous first session when their round 10 match resumes tomorrow in the South Coast Register Shoalhaven District Cricket Association first grade competition.
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Playing against second-placed Berry-Shoalhaven Heads at the Berry Sporting Complex, the visitors will resume at 2/33, needing a further 89 runs for first innings points.
That would almost certainly take the side into the top four, but there is plenty of work to be done.
At the crease is Scott Fagerlund, a young batsman with great potential, who has been joined by nightwatchman Darren Beckett.
They will be up against a ball that has been used for 14 overs, but it is likely to do a little for Brad Carey who will be determined to have an impact in his first match of the summer.
Next to come are the visitors’ acting captain Warren Ganderton who was in top form prior to the break, and George Dickie who is the team’s leading scorer for the season.
They are followed by Trevor Thomason and Chris Weller who are capable of scoring important runs.
Apart from Carey, Berry has a varied attack which will include Luke Bramley, Steve Nikitaras, Glenn Brandon, Bill Moffatt and skipper David Crapp.
With so little between the contenders for third and fourth places, every point will be vital to Ex-Servicemen.
Norths needing more runs
WHILE North Nowra-Cambewarra is in the happy position of having secured first innings points against Ulladulla United, skipper Nick McDonald will be anxious to increase the margin.
When McDonald was first to go at 55 in reply to 105 at the Bernie Regan Sporting Complex, his team was cruising but it soon slumped to a precarious 5/65.
However Shane Bell was then joined by Lachlan Lamont and their half-century stand took Norths to the front.
The margin of 11 runs must be extended if an outright decision is to be set up.
That task will most likely fall to the current pair plus Hugh Gillen, although the others will hit out.
Scott King triggered the collapse last week, while United will also look to Chris Barford and Jon Kingston to restrict the lead.
When United does get back to the crease, it will look for a big improvement from the top order, for 6/23 last week was disastrous.
Robert Cooke and captain Aaron Basile have been the mainstays of the batting, and they will fight hard.
More will be needed this week from Joel Tibbetts, Douglas Chisholm and Terry Dorrell.
They will be put under great pressure by Adam Jackson whose 4/9 in the first innings was mainly among the top order.
Bell has been a consistent performer, while John Muggleton and Gillen continue to show promise.
Tough task for Nowra
NOWRA faces a tough task to match the 213 made by leader Bomaderry at Nowra Showground.
From six overs faced before stumps last week, brothers Sam and Jack Watts scored only a single but more importantly kept their wickets intact.
They will look to consolidate in the early stages tomorrow, but then play their shots if the home side is to have a chance of causing an upset.
Although his season has tapered off a little after its promising start, Ben Lahene remains the heaviest scorer in the line-up.
He likes to get his runs quickly, but will need strong support from Adam Quinlan, Jono Clack and Daniel Bryant.
Captain John White will also fight hard, with Justin Wallace.
Bomaderry’s attack has done the job in each game this season, and it will be hard to master.
After taking the new ball last week, Jordan Matthews and Stuart Jeffrey will relish the chance to make inroads.
Nathan Bowden has enjoyed plenty of success, while Ben Lynch and spinner Michael Coulter are also quality bowlers.
