Northcote hammer Fitzroy Doncaster to secure Premier Cricket bonus point

Northcote secured what could be a critical bonus point win on Saturday on the back of a Mark Phelan century and outstanding Michael Topp debut.

Mark Phelan in action for Northcote. Picture: Andy Brownbill

A Mark Phelan century and scintillating debut from recruit Michael Topp delivered Northcote a crucial bonus point win over Fitzroy Doncaster on Saturday.

After just missing out on the bonus point last week against Prahran, the Dragons showcased their power with bat and ball to wrap up a 117-run victory at Bill Lawry Oval.

After peeling off a half-century last week, Phelan is starting to rediscover the form that saw him top 700 runs in 2018-19.

The Northcote opener’s 115 was his fifth Premier Cricket First XI century for the club and his first since December 22, 2018.

Phelan shared a 90-run opening stand with Solomon Mire (39) and together with Josh Sundberg (35), Jack Lalor (31) and Steve Taylor (45) saw Northcote reach 5-293 from 50 overs.

Michael Topp during his time at Ringwood. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“We spoke the week before after he made 50 about how he got out,” Dragons captain Blayde Baker said.

“We wanted Phelo to be ruthless and get that big score and yesterday he did exactly that.

“That opening partnership between Solly and Phelo was really important and to put on 90 set the tone for the day.

“I think we had four partnerships of 50-odd and it gives our bowlers every chance.”

In his first game for Northcote after crossing from Ringwood in the off-season, Topp took the new ball and tore through the Lions’ top order.

The veteran quick trapped Lakshmn Shivakkumar lbw in the first over of the innings and finished with a miserly 3-17 from eight overs.

Returning from a side strain Mikey Edwards finished with 2-28 while Aaron Crispe (2-18) and Jonty Rushton (2-52) also impressed.

Fitzroy Doncaster skipper Ejaaz Alavi (68) and Sam Elliott (43) were the only bats to put up any resistance.

Jack Lalor in action for Northcote. Picture: Hamish Blair

Baker was pleased to have his full pace battery in action for the first time this season.

“We had four genuine quicks, which we haven’t had for a while, and with Crispey we had a really balanced side,” he said.

“Toppy’s been awesome, he’s had a significant impact before he even played a game for the club.

“He’s been really good for the young blokes around the club, teaching them a lot, and then got his first crack yesterday.

“He hit the ground running, took big early wickets which we wanted, so it’s very exciting.

“Mikey’s bowling the house down, he’s worked really hard and is really strong and super fit, same as Biscuit – he’s had a big pre-season.”

It’s another strong response by Northcote after a Round 1 hammering from Ringwood.

PREMIER: WHY HATZOGLOU’S STUNNING DEBUT IS NO SURPRISE

LEADER: GET YOUR PREMIER CRICKET NEWS HERE

PREMIER: MAIDEN TON FOR DE IACOVO, SAINTS WIN AGAIN

The Dragons will look to keep the momentum rolling with a clash against St Kilda at Junction Oval before the Christmas break.

The undefeated Saints sit on top of the Premier Cricket ladder and Baker knows will be a tough test.

“They’re the benchmark at the moment, they’ve started like a house on fire,” he said.

“That will be a really good measuring stick and if we can beat them going into Christmas it will set us up nicely.”