Norths boost lead with Atherton win

NORTHS have put their stamp on the Cricket Far North 40-over competition, following their bonus-point win over Atherton at the weekend.

Norths made light work of their opponents on a fast Loder Park wicket, with gloveman Angus Warnock and skipper Chris Stanger making a statement as they blasted towards a 97-run partnership to give Norths an eight-wicket victory.

Stanger said he and fellow ball-belter Warnock relished in Atherton’s “batter-friendly” conditions.

“The outfield was a lot dryer and faster than usual for Loder Park,” he said.

“We were just relishing in the conditions.

“It was a bit of a batter’s paradise.”

He said the early efforts of Norths’ opening quicks Brendan Smith and Peter Beal laid a foundation for the rest of the bowling attack to build upon.

“They were in great form. We had both of them bowl all of their eight overs straight up,” he said.

“After 16 overs, (Atherton) was three-wickets down for about 30 runs.

“I thought (Smith and Beal) were great in restricting their batters, especially considering the conditions out there.”

The skipper also chimed in with the ball during the backhalf of the innings, taking 3-30 from his seven overs.

While seven Atherton batters were sent back to the pavilion with just a single digit in the runs column, including three ducks, a blistering knock of 68 off 72 from Gregory Misener at least gave them something to bowl to.

Misener’s eye was well and truly in as he notched up 10 fours in his innings.

With Norths out in the middle, Atherton struck an early blow with the wicket of Corey Domic (5).

However, it was fairly smooth sailing from here, as Norths’ bats began to take control.

Warnock put up 64 from 54, while Stanger hit 61 from 49, with Atherton’s bowling unit unable to take either of their wickets.

Together, the pair combined for 19 boundaries, including 14 fours and five sixes, to claim an eight-wicket victory in just 21 overs

The win reaffirms Norths’ spot at the top of the ladder and secured their fifth bonus point for the season, giving them a three-point buffer over second-placed Mulgrave.