Point Cook Centrals set its focus to come away with victory against Point Cook and did exactly that in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association Roy Picone Shield.
Both sides are fighting for finals spots and the added motivation of being the cross town rival was thrown in.
Sharks’ Brett Talbot said it was an important match for them.
“It’s always nice to beat Point Cook,” he said. “They beat us once this year and beat us in the T20 as well.
“We wanted to make sure we were in the right headspace to get up for this game and we were.”
The Sharks made 9-251 on day one before declaring to allow the Warriors to face a few overs at the end of the day.
Talbot said they were happy with that score.
“It’s always good to score around the 250 mark. It’s a good oval,” he said. “It’s worth 300 on some other grounds.
“It’s a really challenging batting deck, making 250 look even better.”
Talbot said they had wanted to be aggressive which was behind the decision to give the Warriors a few overs with the bat on day one.
They were able to pick up a wicket, with the Warriors resuming at 1-25 on Saturday.
The Sharks were able to get a wicket early on day two and set the tone.
Talbot said they bowled really well.
“Particularly the spinners,” he said. “They did an unbelievable job.
“We felt that we were 10 overs ahead of the game throughout.
“They had a couple of partnerships which was always going to happen.
“We had to try and be patient and stick to the processes.
“We added the pressure and were able to get a couple of wickets.”
The Warriors were bowled out for 170 in the 65th over.
Chathura Demuni top scored with the Warriors with 43.
Rasanjana Jayarathna took 6-52 for the Sharks to be the pick of the bowlers.
The win keeps the Sharks in second spot, with the Warriors slipping to sixth spot and six points outside the top four.
It doesn’t get any easier for the Sharks, who face top side Caroline Springs.
The two sides are equal on points.
Talbot said they were really happy with where things were placed so far, but with the closeness of the competition they can’t take anything for granted.
“It’s another challenge and there’s no easy games,” Talbot said.
“They were a ripping team and bat deep and their bowlers are excellent.
“They were unlucky not to go up last year.
“We have to be right up there at the top of our game. Hopefully it goes our way the next couple of weeks.”
Meanwhile in the Clark Shield, Bellbridge accounted for Barkly St Uniting.
Werribee Centrals lost to Sunshine Heights to further dent its finals hopes.
In the Russell Pollock Shield, Wyndham Vale suffered a bit loss to Roxburgh Park.
