CAVALIERS capitalised on its strong day one effort to record a commanding 148-run win over Centrals on Saturday.
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Played at Wade Park, Centrals resumed its chase of Cavs’ first innings total of 223 at 2-32.
But the defending champions put up little resistance as Cavaliers all-rounder Stu Middleton tore through Centrals’ middle order to claim 5-33 off 13 overs and bowl Centrals out for 75.
Cavaliers went in for the kill, sending Centrals back into bat but skipper Jarrod Simpson (31 not out) and veteran Chris Hutchinson (28no) dug in to guide their side to 1-76 before rain throughout the tea break ended the match.
Middleton said it was a needed triumph for his side.
“It was, even though Centrals are probably struggling for numbers a little bit,” he said.
“It’s pretty important we stay in touch with that top two.”
CYMS lead the competition following a big outright win over Kinross last weekend.
The green and golds boast 74 points on top of the ladder while the eight points Cavaliers earned thanks to its first innings victory over Centrals moves them into second place, six points behind CYMS on 68.
Following the bye, Orange City is third on 62 points.
Both Centrals (32) and Kinross (22) are out of contention for the finals.
Middleton said given his side is assured of a place in the semi finals, Cavaliers are now concentrating on ensuring they give themselves the best possible chance at taking out the title.
A top two berth would do that.
So will improved batting.
“That’s been a bit of an issue for us,” Middleton said.
“A score of 150 is pretty competitive but the top two teams are getting 200, 200 plus pretty regularly now. Fielding and bowling has been alright, it’s just our batting at this stage.”