Barrier Daily Truth

West overcame North

Monday, 20th February, 2012

TOP SCORE: North opener Scott Rogers’ 50 not out was the highlight in an otherwise disappointing batting display from the Bulldogs.

Minor premiers West did as expected on Saturday and overcame an undermanned North outfit that now heads into an elimination final against Central.

The Robins, who will be waiting for the winner of that game, won by three wickets after the Bulldogs set a modest target of 106 all out.

North were routed by West captain Nick Christos who achieved his third five wicket haul for the season, finishing with 5/14.

Opener Scott Rogers (53 not out) and Tobias Hack (30) were the only batsmen to reach double figures for North, who went into the game without their captain Codie Howard and Nick Pearce.

In reply, Central lost early wickets to be three for 20 before recovering and making the remaining 51 runs required for the loss of four wickets. Jake Napier was the best of the North bowlers, finishing with 3/27 off 8.4 overs.

Christos said such was the nature of the Alma wicket that what seemed like a meager score by North was “probably more like 150” or more.

“It was a pretty good pitch for the bowlers,” Christos said yesterday.

Christos, who said his side had been struggling a bit with the bat lately, singled out Brenton Malthouse, who top scored with 30 runs, for praise.

While hot favourites to win the premiership in two weeks, Christos said West would have to be at their best to secure the final - regardless of who they came up against.

Central have twice beaten West this season and North once.

“It’s never easy,” Christos said.

With the Robins now enjoying a week off ahead of the final, Christos said the team would use a round of golf next Saturday as a bonding session.