Kealba-Green Gully has hit the ground running in the new year with a 48-run win over Strathmore Heights in the North West Metropolitan Cricket Association Luscombe Shield at Boeing Reserve on Saturday.
With victories either side of the holiday break, the Cougars have maintained a tight grip on second position on the table and remain within touching distance of ladder-leading defending champion Pascoe Vale Central.
A captain’s knock of 46 from Evan Long set the Strathmore Heights game up for the Cougars, who posted 179 in 39.3 overs.
The middle order fired, with Andrew Lambropoulos (29) and Andrew Webb (27) giving the scoreboard a late boost.
The Heights gave the visiting Cougars plenty of assistance in the form of an ugly 29 extras, including 15 wides and nine no-balls.
Big-hitting opener Josh Weymouth tried to carry the Heights over the line, but once he was removed for 64 his side collapsed to a meagre 131 in 31.5 overs.
Long made it a complete performance, taking 4-20 off 6.5.
Burnside Springs United had an upset win over Buckley Park at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve.
United posted 6-171 and had the Beavers all out for just 69 in a one-sided affair. It was United’s third win of the season.
