Northerners have taken a big step towards playing finals in the Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield following a gritty three-wicket win at the weekend.
The Jets downed Euroa by three wickets on Saturday in what was a thrilling contest.
Euroa chose to bat first and posted a total of 8-170 after 45 overs, before Northerners put up 7-174 after 44.
For Euroa, a stellar 89 from Andrew Squires with the bat carried the team’s total, while Ben Milliken bowled an impressive 2-19 off nine.
Northerners’ innings was underlined by a solid 58 not out from Mitch Brett, while great bowling from Nick Breslin, 3-19, and Josh Sidebottom, 2-23, had the Jets flying high.
Northerners coach Steve Allen said it was a hard-fought victory.
“I think the game was in the balance for most of our innings,” Allen said.
“With the bat I believe that Euroa bowled quite well and were able to keep taking wickets to put pressure on us.
“Mitch and Nick was a good partnership to give us the chance to win and Mitch batted particularly well to get us over the line.”
Allen praised Breslin for his game-changing 3-19.
He said once his side got the big wicket of Andrew Squires it restricted Euroa’s total.
“He came on at a time they were probably looking to up the run rate and had wickets in hand with only a few overs to go, so I thought his performance was crucial,” he said.
With one round to go until finals Allen was unsure if his side would make it.
“Nothing is concrete at this stage,” he said.
“It’s a big week coming up, I suppose the win against Euroa has kept our aspirations alive.”
THE GAME
Euroa 8-170 (Andrew Squires 89, Jake Smith 23, Nick Breslin 3-19, Josh Sidebottom 2-23) lt Northerners 7-174 (Mitch Brett 58 not out, Joel Brett 29, Ben Milliken 2-19)
STAR PLAYER
Andrew Squires (Euroa): It’s not everyday the star player is on the losing team, but Squires’ performance deserves recognition. It was a game-changing knock from the batter, hitting 89 off 86 balls, however, unfortunately his side could not get over the line.