Bundoora’s good form against the top four sides continues after the Bulldogs won a thrilling contest against Diamond Creek.
After a poor start last week, the Bulls made 158 to set Diamond Creek a competitive total.
Bulls’ skipper John Flint said they picked up wickets at frequent intervals.
“We had a run-out early on and got a couple of wickets,” he said.
“We kept plugging away and were getting wickets every 10 to 15 runs. In the end we needed one wicket with about 25 runs to get.
“We dropped one at first slip so we thought that may have cost us. In the end it was a hard-fought win.”
The Bulls won by 16 runs, bowling Diamond Creek out for 142. Ryan Eley and Jason Kaminski took three wickets each.
Flint said one of the most pleasing things about the win was how their batsmen responded after a poor start on day one.
Batting has been the one area which has let the side down.
“We were 4-50 and to come back against one of the top sides is really good,” he said.
“We’ve been relying on our bowlers all season and our batting has been scratchy. One game we can make 240 and then make 50.
“We can bat deep and we showed that last week.”
The win keeps the Bulls in touch with the top four. They sit fifth, six points behind fourth. They need to win their last two matches and hope other results go their way.
On paper the Bulls will go in favourites against Old Paradians and Lower Eltham, but Flint knows they can’t get complacent.
“Our aim was to make finals, though we’ve dropped some matches we shouldn’t have.
“Our wins have come against the top three sides but we haven’t beaten anyone below us.
“We’ll be looking for consistency like we had against Diamond Creek.”
In the other game, Epping suffered a big loss to Riverside in its Barclay Shield match.
Riverside made 8-259 from its overs, with Epping falling well short, bowled out for 98. Aaron Amos top scored making 31.
In the Money Shield, Lalor Stars won outright against Mill Park. Mill Park made 88 in its first innings before the Stars made 2-94. Mill Park made 9-156 in its second innings, with the Stars making 2-153 to claim the 10 points.
The win moves the Stars to within two points of the top six.
Top side Plenty Power was too good for Bundoora United, while Mernda accounted for Lower Plenty.
