By Lance Jenkinson
Hoppers Crossing has consolidated its spot in the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association east-west group top six.
The fifth-placed Cats are one of six teams separated by six points between fifth and 10th on the ladder.
The Cats had a hard-fought 37-run win over Box Hill in a one-day game away at the Box Hill City Oval on Saturday.
Hoppers Crossing made 172 with the runs evenly spread. Jack Rhodes was the Cats top scorer with 34.
Chris Henry (20), Sanka Abeyruwan (23) and Justin Goegan (22) made handy contributions.
It was a similarly even performance from the Hoppers Crossing bowlers to have Box Hill all out for 135.
Five individuals took wickets with Navrojdeep Virk leading the way with 3-26.
The other multiple wicket takers for the Cats were Brett Smith (2-14), Khush Talati (2-21) and Abeyruwan (2-31).
Smith has moved into second on the league’s bowling charts with 18 wickets.
Hoppers Crossing will host third-last Croydon in a two-day game at Hogans Road Reserve starting on Saturday
