Altona North continue impressive VTCA division one form with five straight win

Back-to-back promotions are from out of the question for Altona North as the VTCA season continues with the captain pinpointing how they’ve maintained their trajectory.

Altona North knew it would be good enough to stay competitive after moving into the Victoria Turf Cricket Association’s division one competition.

But it didn’t expect to be talking about back-to-back promotions after the halfway point of the season.

In their first outing since the Christmas break, after last weekend’s clash was abandoned due to poor weather, North made it five straight wins with a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Tullamarine to strengthen their position in the top four.

North captain Nick Rainone said the one-day format for this season has been perfect for his side.

“I always felt we were good enough to compete against the strongest teams in this division,” he said.

“Our style of play is stacking up well. How our season played out was always going to depend on whether guys could make the next step and they’ve managed to do it.

Altona North are enjoyed a successful season after earning promotion from division 2. Photo: Facebook.

“Getting a win first up on the weekend was very important because it will help us to build some momentum in the back half of the season.”

North’s bowlers have been heavily influential in their side’s form this season having allowed an opposition team to pass 150 once — in the round one loss to the undefeated Deer Park.

Rainone pointed to a team effort in his team’s success and it’s backed up by the fact George Dimitriou (11 wickets), Rainone and Patrick McArdle (both 10 wickets) have all taken double figures scalps.

Dimitriou took the lead in the club’s bowling award after his effort of 3-21 helped to dismiss Tullamarine for 134.

But Rainone reserved special praise for McArdle suggesting he had gone to the “next level” despite not taking as many wickets as last season.

Nick Rainone and Patrick McArdle have been in fine form again this season. Photo: Facebook.

“Patty has played a really important role for us,” he said.

“He might not have the 30 he took last season to finish as the leading wicket taker but he’s economy rate has helped us tie down at least one end.

“When you’ve got bowlers who are performing so well it gives you a lot of confidence as a batting group.

“The discipline they’ve showed has been really impressive.”

Number three Buddhi Samarawickrama is the team’s leading run scorer with 165 runs from six innings but on Saturday the day belonged to opener David Frydas who hit a half-century.

“We’ve been very steady with the bat all season,” Rainone said.

“Trent Frydas was in good form before Christmas before he got injured which was unfortunate timing. Our top order is always willing to show positive intent.

“The aggressive running between wickets has been a real feature of our game.”

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