A five-wicket haul from Jason Pymer led the Jung Tigers to a season-defining, seven-run win against Noradjuha-Toolondo at Horsham City Oval under lights on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
After batting first and posting a competitive total of 206 thanks to half-centuries from captain Nathan Neumann and Rod Kirkwood, the Tigers looked to be in trouble with the Bullants cruising at 0-110.
But the introduction of Pymer turned the game on its head, with the left-armer trapping Rowan Scott leg before wicket and removing opposition captain Mathew Combe shortly after in the same fashion for a duck.
"Rowan Scott, I really rate him, and Mat Combe, they're the two really strong batsmen you usually have trouble getting out, so to get both of them was terrific," Pymer said.
He followed up with the wicket of a well-set Justtin Combe for 74, before claiming two more Bullants in quick succession to leave Noradjuha-Toolondo precariously placed at 6-165.
It opened the door for Tigers' youngster Shannon Reddie, who claimed three of the final four wickets to finish with figures of 3-13.
Pymer said he was happy with Reddie's performance, and said the win was an important one heading into the mid-season break after six consecutive losses.
"If we didn't win last night we could almost forget about any finals," Pymer said.
"We just needed to bowl tight and hope some wickets would fall, and that's what happened.
"Now we can keep hoping we can stay in touch with the top four."
The win capped a big weekend for the Tigers, with Pymer adding there was a bit of extra inspiration around the club, as all three Jung teams tasted victory.
Horsham Saints have moved into fourth place on the one-day ladder after a comfortable six-wicket win against Colts at Coughlin Park.
Colts skipper Brad Millar won the toss and chose to bat, but his side was bundled out for just 148 in 40 overs.
Nathan Emmerson, 30, Drew Carmody, 29, and Liam Jakobi, 23, all got starts, but the Saints' bowling attack struck at regular intervals.
Opening bowler Josh Carroll claimed 3-25 from his nine overs, while Tom McDonald finished with 3-39 from 10.
In reply, Jakobi and Carmody struck early to have the Saints in trouble at 3-41.
But skipper Gary Davidson carried his bat, compiling an undefeated 43, and he received valuable support from the Saints' middle order, with Craig Klemm scoring 37 and Clint King 27.
Blackheath-Dimboola remains undefeated on top of the one-day ladder after beating the Blue Panthers by 42 runs.
Lachie Watts finished undefeated on 62, captain Matt McKinnon made 52 and Travis Hair 45 as the Bulls reached a big total of 3-213.
Blackheath-Dimboola's opening bowlers struck straight away, reducing Rup-Minyip to 3-16 early in their chase.
Elliot Braithwaite returned the impressive figures of 4-18 off 10 overs, claiming two early wickets before returning late to remove Blue Panthers' star Adam Carter.
Carter scored 82, taking his season tally to 422 runs at the incredible average of 105.5.
Homers have moved two games clear at the top of the A Grade ladder after a big win against Laharum.
The Pigeons piled on 220 for no loss from their 45 overs, before dismissing the Mountain Men on their home turf for just 104 in the 29th over.
Both Homers' openers scored undefeated centuries, Sandy Hodge finishing on 106 after being dismissed for 99 in his previous innings, and Jason Templeton reaching 104.
Shannon Waterworth claimed 5-26 from 10 overs, while Siphe Mzayidume added three wickets to take his season tally to 24.