The confidence is growing for Lalor Stars in the Diamond Valley Cricket Association Money Shield.
After a few tough seasons, the Stars have started to put together some consistent cricket and are pushing for a top four spot,
On Saturday, they produced their best result for the season, knocking off top side, Rosebank.
Captain Ricky Mittica said it was a really good win.
“It was huge for us,” he said. “Jordy [Jordan Steele] came on for us and took five for not many.
“He said he wasn’t going to bowl, but ended up bowling for an hour straight.
“They were 4-200 but we were able to find a way.”
The Stars had made 8-273 on day one of the match with Steele making 83 and Riley Scott 77.
Mittaca said they were happy with that after being 2-4, with the pair about to put on more than 150 for the second wicket.
After being on top and batting well in the middle order, Rosebank was bowled out for 258 in the 76th over.
Steele took 5-44 to be the pick of the bowlers and get his side over the line.
The win moved the Stars to third on the ladder after 10 rounds. They sit a game back from Rosebank which remains on top.
Mittaca said it’s nice to see the group get some reward for effort.
“It has been a tough few years,” he said. “We got a few players back which was nice and the young kids are coming through.
“Ethan [Baade] and Patrick [Taylor] have had some opportunities the last few years and now have some more support. It’s nice to get a few wins.”
Mittaca said the aim for them now was to play finals. He admits that it will be a task, with it being a tight competition where anyone can beat anyone.
The Stars next match is a one-dayer on Saturday against Greensborough.
“They smashed us in the first game,” Mittaca said. “We made 180 and they got it one down.
“We know it will be a tough contest. Hopefully we keep winning and the confidence is starting to grow.”
In other results, Lower Plenty was way too strong for Banyule, Plenty beat Eltham, Lower Eltham had a solid win against Bundoora Park and Montmorency made easy work of Greensborough.
Hurstbridge, Panton Hill, Thomastown United, DenniS and Mernda were the winners in the Mash Shield.
