Northerners continued on their winning ways despite a tricky assignment against Tatura on Saturday.
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The Jets, thanks to a classy all-round performance from star Joel Brett, powered to a gritty three-wicket win and secured a bonus point in the process.
Brett smoked a match-high 46 and collected impressive figures of 4-22 in another quality outing from the Lightfoot medallist.
Under hot conditions at Tallygaroopna Recreation Reserve, the Jets successfully chased down the away side’s total of 113 under 30 overs.
The outcome keeps Northerners cemented in second spot on the Haisman Shield ladder ahead of the mid-season break.
But the hosts were made to fight tooth and nail in the round seven triumph.
Brett’s older brother and Jets’ captain, Mitch, said he was pleased to grab the points against a gallant Tatura outfit.
“It was game we knew we had to win to keep a hold of second spot but to Tatura’s credit they made it pretty tough for us,” he said.
“We lost a few wickets more than what we would have liked but we were able to grab the bonus point in the end which is always nice.”
After losing the toss, Northerners were able to get off to a red-hot start.
Brett, with new ball in hand, dismissed Tom Vibert for a royal duck.
The opening quick then collected the scalp of Daniel Coombs and Tatura was left 2-6.
Teenager Blake Armstrong (32 not out), Matt Cornwall (29) and Raj Singh (23) steadied the ship, but the wickets continued to fall.
Stuart Turner (1-9) collected the final wicket to end the visitors’ innings on 113 in the 39th over.
Preston Hall enjoyed a day out with the gloves on and recorded two catches and two run outs.
But the Jets endured a similar start to their innings.
Armstrong (2-14) continued his breakout campaign and dismissed both Jets openers to leave the score 2-14.
Tatura — with its tail up after back-to-back wins — were back with a sniff.
In stepped Brett.
Brett crafted 46 runs from 38 deliveries and led the Jets to 5-85.
Tim Belford (16 not out) and Nick Breslin (17) provided support in the tricky run-chase.
“Joel’s credentials speak for themselves really and he had another strong match on Saturday,” Mitch said.
“He’s in some good form with bat and ball and he’s a very handy player to have in your side.
“You take him out (of the side) and we struggle to win that match.”
With the Jets now 5-1 after six hit-outs, Mitch was pleased with where his outfit sat ahead of the Christmas break.
“We are very happy to enter the break in second spot,” the Jets skipper said.
“Especially after we were bowled out for 60 runs in round one ... we’ve been playing some good cricket since then. So we couldn’t be happier with where we sit.”
Tatura 113 (Blake Armstrong 32 not out, Matt Cornwall 29, Raj Singh 23, Joel Brett 4-22) lt Northerners 7-114 (Joel Brett 46, Nick Breslin 17, Tim Belford 16 not out, Blake Armstrong 2-14)
STAR PLAYER
Joel Brett (Northerners): It was another sublime performance on Saturday from the Northerners’ star all-rounder. One glance at his efforts showcase just how important of a player he has become to this Northerners’ line-up.