The 2021-22 premiership entered the fifth round meeting with the Northerners after a bye week and got a boost after beating the home side by 95.
The Jets were not going down without a fight though, with some quality bowling causing the Cats a lot of trouble, but they eventually crossed the line with two wickets to spare.
Speaking after the win, Mooroopna coach Luke Zanchetta said that both sides made the Tallygaroopna Recreational Reserve course look more difficult to play than it actually was.
“I feel a bit sorry for the curator because it wasn’t a 95 play 96 wicket,” Zanchetta said.
“There was a constant stream of wickets all day, I’m not 100 per cent sure what happened, for them too, people kept coming out and losing balls or being bowled, hitting the fielders, it was quite a strange day. cricket to be honest.”
Winning the toss and electing to bowl, the Northerners battled to put runs on the board, with bowling spells from Zanchetta (3-13), Jake Wright (3-21) and Simon D’Elia (2-11) holding the Jets to a total of 95.
This performance on the ball would be replicated by the home side, with the Cats sitting at 7-44 17.4 overs in their innings thanks to brilliant spells from Tim Brett (3-15) and Josh Sidebottom (3-23).
Sitting in a precarious position, Mooroopna’s tail would carry to the side over the line, with Zanchetta (23), Henry Barrow (16) and D’Elia (12) leading the Cats to glory.
“It’s a very important result for our season,” Zanchetta said.
“There has been talk in recent years about the importance of accumulating points before Christmas in case you slip up afterwards.
“We have a tough few weeks ahead with the teams we’re playing, the next four or five weeks will determine where we finish the season.”
The result has Mooroopna in fourth place with a loss, while the Northerners sit in sixth place with a 3-2 record.
THE GAME
northerners 95 (Scott Thorn 24, Luke Zanchetta 3-13, Jake Wright 3-21, Simon D’Elia 2-11) it’s Mooropna 8-96 (Luke Zanchetta 23, Tim Brett 3-15, Josh Sidebottom 3-23)
STAR PLAYER
Luke Zanchetta (Mooropna): Mooroopna’s mentor stood up when needed on Saturday. Steadying the ship with the bat and producing some solid figures on the ball, Zanchetta played a key role in bringing his side to the line.
Source: news.google.com