Hoppers Crossing remains in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division top four after a strong performance against Airport West St Christophers on Saturday.
The Cats controlled the match with both bat and the ball when it mattered the most to secure the 43-run win.
Batting first on day one, Hoppers Crossing smashed 9-271 from its 80 overs, thanks to a pair of 60s from Luke Goegan and Duleeka Thisakuttige.
The total looked strong on paper, but Airport West St Christophers made a bright start to the run chase when play resumed on Saturday.
It moved to 2-105 and looked to be in control until Mitchell Ellis got the important breakthrough, removing set batsman Dinesh Cooray for 33.
Wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals as the Airport West St Christophers middle order struggled to string partnerships together.
Hoppers Crossing removed the next five batsmen for 85 runs before knocking over the tail and securing the win.
Trent Said was the pick of the Cats’ bowlers, taking 3-35, while Gregory Kennedy finished with 3-56.
After eight rounds, Hoppers Crossing is in fourth spot on the VTCA senior division ladder.
The Cats are part of a top five logjam, with just 11 points separating it and South Caulfield, Yarraville Club, Beaumaris and Strathmore from first to fifth.
In the penultimate round before finals, Hoppers Crossing will take on the seventh placed Hampton this week.
Meanwhile, in the VTCA’s west A1 division, Werribee Centrals proved no match for St Andrews Footscray.
After giving up 232 runs on day one, the Centrals were bowled out for 125 on Saturday.
Werribee has won just one game this season and is on the bottom of the west A1 ladder.
