Lancefield is looking more and more like a finals contender in the Gisborne and District Cricket Association’s B-grade competition.
The TIgers, playing in B-grade for the first time in their history after promotion last season, are in fourth spot with two rounds to go.
Captain-coach Luke Barker said the season had been more than they ever expected.
“The goal was to be competitive in every game and try to avoid relegation,” Barker said,
“The goal this season was to be in the four, or in the mix, with two rounds remaining, which we are.
“While it would be nice to make finals, it doesn’t really matter as we’ve already taken big steps forward as a club.”
On Saturday, the Tigers achieved what no other side had done this season, beat St Anthonys.
They are also only one of two sides to beat second placed Rupertswood this season.
After making 243 on day one of the match against the St Anthonys, thanks largely to 109 from
Barker, the Tigers were confident they had enough runs on the board.
And they did, bowling out St Anthonys for 168 to win by 75 runs.
“We knew the ground wasn’t too quick and the large totals St Anthonys have made this season have been on quick grounds,” Barker said.
“It was probably the most well-rounded performance we’ve had all season. We batted really well and then bowled and fielding exceptionally.”
Glenn Caton took three wickets, while Luke and Nathan Malone took two each.
“Our bowling attack is one of the best in the competition,” Barker said.
“We have five or six bowlers who can really build pressure and that is what happened on Saturday.
“It has been our strength this year.”
A catch-up match between Lancefield and Ashfield on Sunday was declared a draw after heavy overnight rain made the ground unplayable.
Barker said the team had started to get momentum over the last four rounds.
“The batting had been letting us down and we’re starting to get that right,” he said.
“The guys are starting to understand what you need to do at this level.
“I’ve been emphasising that in the first 45 to 50 overs you need to keep wickets in hand and then you’ll get close to 200.
“It’s not about making 100 off the first 20 overs.
“They’re learning as they go along.”
The Tigers face Bacchus Marsh this week in what could be a season-defining round, as the teams placed from third to seventh are fighting for two spots in the top four.
“The top four sides play the bottom four sides, so something has to give,” Barker said. “We have to play Bacchus Marsh and whoever wins is likely to remain in finals contention and the other team will be gone.”
In other results, Ashfield surprised Wallan, Rupertswood beat East Sunbury and Macedon was too good for Bacchus Marsh.
East Sunbury looks set for relegation after losing to Macedon on Sunday in the only catch-up match to go ahead.
