The Jets held on for a 27-run Haisman Shield win against Central Park-St Brendan's in round three of the season, but it was the work at the opposite end of the match that set the triumph in motion.
Ben Pedretti (41) and Darcy Collins (57) put together 89 runs for the first wicket to give their side every chance of success, and although the rest of the order was unable to fully capitalise in reaching just 8-190, it was enough to claim all six points.
“We're happy with the win, but there are a few things to work on,” Northerners captain Mitch Brett said.
“The boys up top batted really well, but I feel in the end we probably left 30 or 40 runs out in the middle, so we really need to work on that.
“We got away with it in the end, but if we put on 220 or 230 instead of 190, it allows us to put the game beyond doubt a lot earlier, rather than it being a tight finish.”
Xavier Chalkley (3-21) and Andrew Lloyd (3-34) managed to slice through the middle and lower order with the ball for the Tigers to keep their side in the match, but another seam-bowling masterclass from Joel Brett stole the show after the tea break.
Brett snared 5-16 from just 6.3 overs to put the contest to bed, despite some nervous moments.
Opener Connor Holland (30) got a start for the Tigers before Jack McCarten (35), Fahad Mirza (29) and Andrew McMillan (26) got the runs ticking over in the middle order to put plenty of life in the chase.
In the end the Jets were able to take all 10 wickets though and snare their second win in a row.
“(Joel) has been unreal with the ball, it's the best I've seen him bowl I reckon,” Brett said.
“His control has been unbelievable, he's usually spraying them around a bit, but I can't wait until he puts it all together at once because he's been threatening with the bat as well.
“We all bowled relatively well too, it was a good even contribution where everyone chipped in to get the job done.”
The Tigers host Karramomus next round, with the Jets heading to Princess Park to take on Shepparton United.
THE GAME
Northerners 8-190 (Darcy Collins 57, Ben Pedretti 41, Xavier Chalkley 3-21, Andrew Lloyd 3-34) defeated Central Park-St Brendan's 163 (Jack McCarten 35, Connor Holland 30, Joel Brett 5-16)
STAR PLAYER
Joel Brett (Northerners): Once again Brett showcased his ability to impact the game in all areas, making 17 with the bat before snaring 5-16 with ball in hand to help deliver the Jets another win.
