Crucial Rhinos win

Despite some minor hiccups, Deni managed to chase down the required target in 24.2 overs, recording their sixth win of the year and giving themselves breathing space in third spot on the ladder.

Rhinos captain Brad Todd said the win was crucial for his side’s top two aspirations.

‘‘It gives us a chance to really push for a top two finish as we play both Katamatite and Cobram the next two matches,’’ he said.

‘‘If we can win one or hopefully both it would give us a great chance of finishing top two and would be a real confidence boost knowing we are playing some good cricket at the right time of the year.’’

While opening batsman Trent Batchelor starred for the Hawks with a 38 run stand, which included four boundaries, he had little support from his teammates.

Batchelor batted nearly the entirety of the innings, being caught on the first ball of the 28th over, before the final wicket was taken two balls later to end Barooga’s innings at 86 runs.

Justin Maley was the only other batsman to reach double figures with 17.

Spinner Evan Pocock was the star for the Rhinos, finishing with outstanding figures of 4/6 off 4.3 overs, including the important wicket of Batchelor.

Pocock was supported well by pace bowler Nick Burnell (3/20 off five), while Todd, Andrew Hogan and Dylan Rotherham took one wicket each.

‘‘The wicket had a bit in it early but the guys bowled good line and length to get the wickets,’’ Todd said.

‘‘It was pleasing that we had a spread of wicket takers as we relied too much on Hoges (Hogan) to take wickets every week last year, so with other guys getting chiming in it has taken some of the pressure off him.

‘‘It was good to see Evan and Nick grab some wickets as it allows a spread of bowling.

‘‘Evan has been pretty consistent and would be our leading wicket taker for the year up to this point.’’

The Rhinos showed their intent early in the run chase, with Dean Edge and Todd opening the batting.

The pair put together a quick 32 run partnership before Todd (22), who hit two ‘sixes’ and two boundaries, was bowled by Amar Ullah.

Boddie Arthur came to the crease but departed soon after, trapped in front by Ullah, with the Rhinos falling to 2/40.

Hogan (11) wasted no time in the middle coming in at number four, hitting a boundary off his first ball and getting the Rhinos safely to 2/53 at the tea break.

Hogan’s wicket fell soon after the break, becoming Ullah’s third pole after being caught, with the Rhinos at 3/60.

Edge (22) continued to keep the runs ticking over along with Liam Pitts (12), getting the score to 72 before the former was bowled by Trent Batchelor.

Pitts was also bowled by Batchelor soon after, but with the score at 5/80 the Rhinos were in a comfortable position to win.

Despite the loss of two further wickets, veteran batsman Anthony Bradley (11 not out) steered Deni to victory, scoring the winning runs in the 25th over.

‘‘They (Barooga) generally open the bowling with a spinner so we wanted to try a different strategy against their spinners up front,’’ Todd said.

‘‘I opened with Edgy to try and take advantage of the fielding restrictions in the first 15 overs and also to force them make some changes their bowling, as they have had a good record against us in the past in the first 10 or 15 overs.

‘‘It seemed to work as they had two or three bowling changes within the first five to eight overs, so it put them on the back foot early.

‘‘We wanted to knock over as many runs as possible before the tea break to have them on the back foot after the break.

‘‘We lost a couple of quick wickets, which wasn’t ideal as it got them back into the game, but I always had confidence in our guys to knock off the last 10 or so runs.’’