Jack Lalor, Josh Sundberg guide Northcote to win after surprise opening cameo
Jack Lalor kicked off a big week for the family with a match-winning performance, while Northcote might have a surprise new opening batting option.
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It was a welcome return to form for Jack Lalor on Saturday, leading Northcote to a strong six-wicket win over Ringwood.
The two-time Premier Cricket Team of the Year all-rounder fell agonisingly short of a deserved hundred, out for 94 from 192 balls as the Dragons chased down the Rams 230 at Bill Lawry Oval.
After scores of 12 and 9 in his first two hits, it was a timely knock with a feast of white ball cricket in the lead up to Christmas.
The performance kicked off a big week for the Lalor family with cousin Sam set to be the No. 1 AFL Draft pick.
Lalor and Northcote captain Josh Sundberg (67 not out) put together a match-winning 132-run fourth-wicket partnership.
The pair building on a foundation set by surprise opener Joe Medew-Ewen, who had come in as a night watchman last week when the Dragons were required to face one over before stumps.
The gun spinner blunted the Ringwood new-ball attack before falling for 40 from 120 balls, his highest score since a 49 in the 2022-23 qualifying final against St Kilda.
Coach Warren Pereara was rapt for the trio, capitalising on their opportunity in the middle.
“I think Ringwood was 0-80 odd and then take 10-150 was enormous and then this week to bat the way we did, Joey did an enormous job as a night watchman,” Pereara said.
“That’s his attitude, he always wants to do whatever he can for the team, so everyone was pretty happy for Joey.
“In 34 degree heat, the more we tired out their bowlers the better chance we had.
“Then we had the great partnership between Jack and Josh – the leaders of our club – a 100-run partnership.
“It was just a shame Jack could get the six runs he needed for the hundred he deserved.”
On day one of the two-dayer last week, Medew-Ewen claimed 4-59, while Leo Manteit snared 3-37 to keep Ringwood in check.
Rams skipper David King scored a brilliant century, 112 from 230 balls, but lacked support.
The visitors were 0-89 before losing 10-141.
Manteit made his First XI debut in Round 1 and has shown his potential as a paceman.
His three wickets was a career best.
“Leo’s been tremendous, in his third year at our club, third year of turf cricket,” Pereara said.
“He’s learning every game really, he wants to listen and get better.
“He bowled really, really well, bowled to his fields and the team plan, so there’s a lot of upside for Leo moving forward.”
Northcote faces a heavy workload heading into the Christmas break.
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The Dragons face Footscray in a one-dayer on Saturday at Bill Lawry Oval before three rounds of T20s.
They face Geelong and Essendon at Windy Hill on November 30, Prahran and Kingston Hawthorn at Kingston on December 7 and Camberwell and Carlton at Bill Lawry Oval on December 14.
A one-dayer against Greenvale Kangaroos at Greenvale closes the year out before the Christmas break.
“All our guys are ready and raring to go, it’s almost like a fresh start for the season with a lot of points on over the next six weeks,” Pereara said.
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