A WIN at the weekend to Mount Beauty against Wodonga continued its push up the ladder.
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The Power were all over Wodonga in the first week, skittling them for 117 in just 41 overs at Willow Park.
Mt Beauty lost captain Damian Jenvey early in the chase for 20 but recovered to be 3-82 at stumps thanks to 26 from Ranaweera.
Jenvey said Darren Cootee and Mick Grace were the stalwarts that got them past the total, eventually being dismissed for 178.
“We were 3/82 overnight and lost 3 quick wickets in the first 10 overs which wasn’t ideal,” he said.
“Darren Cootee and Mick Grace got us over the line.”
Jenvey said despite a shaky start on day two he knew the batting line-up had depth.
“There’s a bit pressure when you lose wickets quickly but there’s a lot of confidence in our batting line-up,” he said.
“The pitch dried out quite a bit after 30 overs and as the day went on it became a pretty good batting track.”
Jenvey had no hesitation to bowl first after seeing the wicket.
“There was a bit in a wicket and our bowlers took advantage of that setting us up for a good days play.”
Jenvey said he looked to targets sending Wodonga back in and his players achieved them.
“We thought if we got eight wickets it would be a great effort and it was really pleasing to see great energy in the field,” he said.
“It was a real team effort and that’s what we look for week in week out.”
Jenvey pointed to Ethan Brown as one of the strongest bowlers against the Wodonga batsmen.
“There was a very even contribution but Ethan Brown bowled really well both days,” he said.
“He bowls consistently outside off and in long spells and we looked to him to start us off.”
Jenvey said he was happy with his side's position but knew there was a big challenge coming up.
“Hopefully we get another one or two wins on the board leading into Christmas break.
“We have Kiewa next week and they’re the competition benchmark and we’ll get a gauge of where we’re at.”
Ethan Brown (2-32) and Ashan Ranaweera (4-16) were the Power's best bowlers.
Dederang secured a four wicket win against Yackandandah thanks to 66 from Chris Beard.
Eskdale won a low scoring game against Barnawartha/Chiltern while Bethanga fell 34 runs short of Howlong's 205.
Baranduda upset competition leaders Kiewa with a 49-run win at the Kiewa Cricket Ground.
