North Albury star Ash Borella admits the penny has dropped when it comes to batting.
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The 24-year-old says he’s learnt when to attack, and when to play conservatively.
And it seems to be working too after smashing an unbeaten 108 off 35 overs to lead North to an eight-wicket win over Tallangatta.
“It was probably one of the smartest innings I’ve played,” Borella said.
“I was more patient, waiting for the bad ball, and that’s something I’ve now learnt.”
Borella’s new-found philosophy is bad news for the competition as he was the leading run-scorer last season with 674 runs at 52.
He’s now moved into the top five this year.
North’s win has shunted the Bushies from top spot.
“Without (Matt) Armstrong and Dilhara (Lokuhettige), it was good to be able to capitalise on their absence,” Borella said.
“Rob (Hartnett) and Ryan (Addison) bowled line and length to get them five down early.”
North sits just outside the top six, splitting their eight games.
Meanwhile, Albury will be without star all-rounder Chris Sole for most of January.
The Scottish representative will contest an International Cricket Council T20 tournament in Dubai, followed by two one-dayers against Ireland.
Sole’s bowling will certainly be missed, but so too will his batting after hitting successive half-centuries as an opener.
“I was a bowler when I got here, who didn’t even really bat,” he laughed.
“When I play internationals, I normally bat 10 or 11.
“But Alex Popko was away last week, and they asked me if I wanted to open.”
Sole blasted 74 runs from only 67 balls, with 12 boundaries.
“I like to play my own game as I’m quite an attacking player,” he said.
Sole is particularly effective hitting both down the ground and over the cover region.
Sole’s new-ball partner Dave Tassell then ripped through New City, snaring 5-18 off eight overs.
“Dave was relentless, hitting the top of off-stump,” Sole said.
But the Phoenix boast an emerging talent in Liam Fitzsimmons, who showed tremendous patience to bat for 2¼ hours in posting 62.
And East Albury will look to improve its fielding, despite scoring a strong win over an improving St Patrick’s.
The Crows dropped three catches in slips against the Patties’ top scorers Luke Restall and Nick Flood.