Lalor Warriors have returned to the winners’ list and the top of the North Metro Cricket Association Jika Shield ladder.
The Warriors had split their previous four games as injuries and changes to the side impacted consistency.
On Saturday against ladder leaders Northern Socials, the Warrior bowlers again showed why they form one of the best attacks in the competition.
Defending 179, the Warriors bowled Socials out for just 83.
Warriors captain Todd Hughes said they were confident of a win going into day two.
“Anything 150-plus and we have a massive chance of winning with our bowling attack,” he said. “On Saturday, we took wickets at crucial times and they were on the back foot.
“Brad Winther and Ben Gorski opened the bowling and had them 4-10 and they were playing catch-up from then. Every bowler took a wicket.”
Gorski was the best of the bowlers, taking three wickets.
The win means the Warriors remain three points clear on top of the ladder.
Hughes said finding a bit more consistency with the bat was a key for the second part of the season.
“There has been a lot of changes to the side,” he said. “Each week there has been four to five changes through injuries. Injuries aren’t an excuse, but we’ve struggled to get the balance right.
“We need others to step up when given the chance. We’re either winning big or losing big – not many close games.
“It’s not a good thing. We need to keep building partnerships.”
Hughes said Nick Christie, a star all-rounder, would return to the side after Christmas.
The Warriors face bottom side Keon Park in a two-day clash in the final round before Christmas.
Meanwhile, the Warriors’ title defence of the northern region T20 competition has ended with the side failing to progress past the round-robin stage.
The Warriors are still in T20 action, as part of the CV Regional Big Bash. All the winners of last season’s regional T20 competitions take part in the knockout competition.
The Warriors were due to play Donnybrook in the opening round on Monday night.
In other Jika Shield matches, Rivergum kept the pressure on at the top of the ladder, easily accounting for Olympic Colts.
Chasing 140, the Kookas made the runs with six wickets in hand. Matthew Perri top-scored with 50 not out in the 4-145 total.
Keon Park made 139, chasing Holy Trinity’s 8-181.
Bundoora Park suffered a big loss in the Quick Shield to Heidelberg West.
