Northcote too good for Carlton as 18-year-old spinner takes five wickets

Northcote sent it’s Premier Cricket rivals a warning on Saturday with a massive win over ladder-leader Carlton and an 18-year-old played a critical role.

Daniel Lalor in action for Northcote against Carlton. Picture: Andy Brownbill

In just his second Premier Cricket First XI match, Daniel Lalor produced a match-winning performance as Northcote smashed ladder-leader Carlton.

The 18-year-old took 5-29 as the Dragons skittled the Blues for 143 before Mark Phelan and Josh Sundberg combined to wrap up a nine-wicket win and a bonus point at Princes Park.

It was the Dragons’ third win in seven days – and fifth straight since Christmas – and lifts the club to second on the ladder.

Lalor claimed the key wicket of Carlton captain-coach Evan Gulbis and was on a hat-trick when he dismissing Tom and Harrison Smyth in consecutive balls.

Xavier Crone survived the hat-trick ball but fell three deliveries later.

Lalor captained Vic Country at the Under-17 National Championships last season and famously hit a six off the last ball to win a T20 Super Slam match for Northcote against Geelong.

Daniel Lalor in action for Northcote against Carlton. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Josh Sundberg and Blayde Baker get excited. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Having lost Jonty Rushton to injury, Dragons coach Steve Taylor was rapt Lalor had taken his opportunity.

“It was a remarkable performance. He’s come in and bowled against some of the best batters in the competition and held his own,” Taylor said.

“He bowls, he bats and he’s a really good fielder, so I thought it was important with losing Jonty that we brought someone in who offers a bit of everything.

“He’s got a bit about him, Dan, he hit the six off the last ball to win the T20 game against Geelong last year. Those pressure situations don’t seem to fluster him too much.”

The Lalors have had a big season with older brother Jack scoring back-to-back half-centuries this month and chipping in with key wickets.

Michael Topp claimed 3-35 and now has 18 scalps on the season, third best in the competition.

Northcote lost opener Tearan Gleeson for eight at 1-12 bringing together two of the most in-form batsmen in the competition.

Phelan and Sundberg combined for a 132-run partnership and finished unbeaten on 67 and 61 respectively to steer the club home.

Michael Topp celebrates a wicket for Northcote. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Cameron Stevenson in action for Carlton. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Taylor spoke of his pride in seeing the two walk off together.

“We needed our senior batters to stand up and the way Phelo and Josh went out there, the attitude was the buck stops with them,” he said.

“It sets a really good example and standard for the rest of our batters in the middle order.

“Those guys have been fantastic in setting a platform throughout the year and it was really satisfying to see those two guys walk off having hit the winning runs.”

Phelan is the No.1 run-scorer in the competition after nine rounds with 521 runs to his name at an average of 65.13, while Sundberg is 16th.

The win takes Northcote up to second, now just two points behind Carlton, and second in the club championship, two points behind Melbourne.

Taylor said winning momentum was critical in the one-day season.

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“This format is all about momentum and we’ve been riding a wave of momentum since Christmas,” he said.

“We identified that before we broke for Christmas, we couldn’t afford to be sloppy when we came back, and to the boys credit they’ve done that really well.

“It’s been reflected across the club as well, we’re sitting second in the club championship, and I don’t think I’m exaggerating when I say we’ve never led it.”

The Dragons will look to keep the momentum rolling when the face Footscray at Merv Hughes Oval on Saturday.