Jets looking to soar after strong showing

“We’re looking forward to it, it’s always good to be at home,” Northerners’ coach Steve Allen said.

The Jets were quick to put the memories of round one behind them in their Kyabram match-up, and after winning the toss and sending the home side in to bat, Northerners could only snag three wickets as Kyabram steadily played its way to an impressive 231-run total.

In reply, the Jets’ hitters came out firing, and a classy Joel Brett century with support from skipper Mitch Brett (50 not out) and recruit Nick Breslin (52 not out) ensured their side took all six points.

Another solid performance with the bat will be key for the home side, according to Allen, who said last week’s performance showed there’s quality right through the order.

“If we produce our best cricket, we’ll give them a run for their money,” he said.

“Our top order are the key; hopefully they can deliver.”

The Jets come up against a dominant Numurkah side fresh off a resounding win against Katandra, where the hosts made short work of the measly 129-run target set for them.

The Blues’ bowlers tore through Katandra’s batting order, which limped to 129 runs after 41.2 overs.

Matthew Cline, Liam Gledhill and Mitchell Grandell all produced tidy displays with ball in hand, picking up three wickets apiece.

The Jets will again look to unlock the hitting capabilities of Joel Brett, who guided his team to victory against Kyabram with an unbeaten 113.

Although Brett’s performances have been crucial for the Jets, Allen said he would be looking for a strong team showing at Tallygaroopna on Saturday.

“He’s a very talented cricketer, it was a tremendous knock last week — every time he walks out to bat we’re hopeful he can get going,” he said.

“But we have players in the middle of the order who are more than capable, we’re not a single-man team; it was very much a team batting performance last week and we’ll be looking to follow that up.”