An all-round team performance helped Central Park-St Brendan’s clinch a 72-run victory over Northerners on Saturday.
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Strong contributions with bat and ball were enough for the Tigers to remain in top spot on the Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield ladder.
On a slow deck at Deakin Reserve, the home side posted 7-200 from 45 overs and defended its total in style.
The Jets could only muster 9-128 in response.
Tigers coach Tyler Larkin, who missed the match due to unavailability, said he was proud of the all-round effort from his charges.
“It was a really good even contribution from the entire team. We didn’t have one or two do the heavy lifting,
“Everybody played their role and to be able to see that happen with finals just around the corner is really pleasing.”
Skipper Brendan Scott led from the front with a superb 49-run knock.
Scott — along with Tim Kelly (41 runs) — was in great nick at the top of the order.
The duo piled on 89 runs for the opening partnership to give the home side a fantastic platform.
Rhiley Lau (37 runs off 22 deliveries) and Ramadan Yze (28 runs) provided valuable support.
“To be able to reach none for 80-odd against Jets is a great effort,
“And then for ‘Rum’ (Yze) to chip in at the end to get us to 200 was really important.”
In the run chase, Northerners were able to get a start with the bat, however, things went from bad to worse when Jarrod Wakeling and Aidan Lloyd were thrown the ball.
Wakeling (3-23) dismissed the Jets’ top three batters which was followed by a brilliant over from Lloyd (2-14), when the left-arm quick claimed two wickets.
The damage from the two strike bowlers left Northerners 5-45.
Stuart Turner (38 runs) battled hard at the crease and flew the flag for the Jets.
The result has Northerners slump down to sixth on the ladder, while the Tigers hold on to top position.
With finals action around the corner, Larkin said it was nice to see his outfit begin to play at a finals-like intensity.
“The past two weeks have felt like finals matches and that’s something the playing group spoke about a few weeks ago, that we need to start playing as if these are finals matches,” he said.
“So I’ve been really pleased to see the performances from the group over the last couple of weeks. Now we get a week off and get a chance to regroup and go again for the end of the season.”
THE GAME
Central Park-St Brendan’s 7-200 (Brendan Scott 49, Tim Kelly 41, Rhiley Lau 37, Josh Sidebottom 2-32) d Northerners 9-128 (Stuart Turner 38, Declan Newbound 29, Jarrod Wakeling 3-23, Aidan Lloyd 2-14)
STAR PLAYER
Brendan Scott (Central Park-St Brendan’s): With the Tigers’ coach missing, Scott stood up in the leadership role with a stellar knock with the bat and handy effort with the ball. His 49-run knock was followed by a 1-11, in what was another strong performance from the captain.