Jack Lalor stars with bat and ball in Northcote’s win over Frankston-Peninsula

Match-winning performances with bat and ball should have Northcote all-rounder Jack Lalor firmly on state selectors’ watchlist.

Jack Lalor in action for Northcote. Picture: Steve Tanner

If he’s not already Northcote young gun Jack Lalor will be one Victoria selectors’ watchlist now.

The 21-year-old all-rounder produced matchwinning performances with bat and ball as the Dragons’ knocked off Frankston-Peninsula but 45 runs at Bill Lawry Oval on Saturday.

Coming in at 2-69, Lalor produced an unbeaten 77 from 90 balls to guide the Premier Cricket finals contender to 4-239.

He then claimed 5-22 with the ball, taking the key scalps of Akshay Kodoth and Jacques Augustin, as the Heat were dismissed for 194.

Northcote coach Warren Perera had no doubt state selectors should be paying attention.

Jack Lalor hits one to the fence for Northcote. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Northcote’s Mark Phelan and Frankston-Peninsula keeper Jacques Augustin keep their eye on the ball. Picture: George Salpigtidis

“Last season was his big breakout season but I think he became more of a man yesterday,” Perera said.

“It’s not just the performance, it’s how he did it – he’s got confidence, he’s a strong boy – he came out and got 77 and then gets five-for.

“He got two wickets in his first over and was just unplayable, he summed up the conditions really well and took pace off the ball.

“This is a Victoria under-17, under-19 junior, I was telling someone yesterday these are the young fellas that Victoria (selectors) need to keep an eye on – he can bat, bowl and field.

“He’s got the attributes and work ethic that you look for in any level of cricket, let alone higher level cricket.”

Northcote fans can expect to see the Lalor name for a long time.

“He comes from good stock in Bacchus Marsh, his younger brother plays for us, his cousin is captain of our Dowling Shield squad and his other brother and cousin are also in the Dowling,” Perera said.

Lalor certainly didn’t do it alone.

Jonty Rushton shows off his technique. Picture: George Salpigtidis

New Frankston-Peninsula captain James Nanopoulos. Picture: George Salpigtidis

Opener Mark Phelan scored a critical 58, steadying the ship in a 71-run partnership with Lalor, while the promoted Jonty Rushton added 27 at the top of the order to set a strong foundation.

Max O’Sullivan then came to the crease and produced a blistering 58 off 34 balls as he and Lalor put on 96 runs in the final 10 overs.

Then with new Frankston-Peninsula skipper James Nanopoulos (27) and predecessor Brodie Symons (31) threatening, Michael Topp dismissed both in quick succession.

Perera said the Dragons’ ability to bat in partnerships and the late-inning blitz proved match defining.

“We tend to do analysis in 10-over blocks and from a run perspective they won every block except the last,” he said.

“We made 96 in the last 10 overs, which was the game really, with O’Sullivan and Lalor.

“The other thing was we only lost four wickets, whereas they lost wickets in clumps – from 0-40 to 3-40, 3-100 to 3-108 – I think it was hard to them to keep momentum.”

Perera praised Topp’s contribution with and without the ball.

“He’s the bowling coach, so it just comes naturally too him,” he said.

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“It’s not the expectation that he takes wickets every week – obviously we want him to – but it’s all the other stuff as well.

“To get the key wickets, that’s just experience, he knew when to inject himself into the game.

“He’s really invested in our young guys, it’s funny, this is only his second season but it’s like he’s played his whole career here.”

Northcote travel to face Carlton next week in another big test of the sides credentials.