Gladstone Park is one step closer to a finals berth in the North West Metro Cricket Association’s George Luscombe Shield after a first-innings win on Saturday.
Needing to defend a total of 9-179 against Strathmore Heights in a match reduced to one day, Gladstone Park recovered from a nervy start to roll its opponents for 163 in 38.3 overs.
The six points keep Gladstone Park two points clear of fifth-placed Sydenham-Hillside, who beat Clarkefield Brumbies comfortably.
Only one round remains before finals, with Gladstone Park playing Kealba-Green Gully, and Sydenham-Hillside taking on top side Pascoe Vale Central.
Gladstone Park welcomed back John Kulikowski with wide arms. The opener hadn’t played since before Christmas and was the matchwinner with both bat and ball.
He scored 43 at the top of the innings and then took 4/11 from seven flawless overs to strangle Strathmore Heights.
The chase started well for Strathmore, with Paul Nicola (25) and Channa Acahrige (17) putting on 44 for the first wicket before four batsmen fell for another 50.
Arsalan Baig (12) and Joel Kolep (46) got the pursuit back on track with a 46-run stand but once that partnership was broken Gladstone Park stormed home and took the last six wickets for 23.
