Altona North took a step to securing its future in the Victorian Turf Cricket Association senior division.
The side, in its first season back in the top flight, beat Aberfeldie in a bottom of the table clash to move above Abers on the ladder with two rounds remaining.
Captain Nathan Patrick said it would have been close to season over if they had lost to Abers.
“Obviously it was really important,” he said.
“As a group we’ve worked really hard to come up and try and make our way through the comp.
“We’ve had some hard moments, but a lot of learnings and that culminated in that win on the weekend.
“It would have ended our season had we not won on the weekend.”
Altona North has added reinforcements in the second part of the season, with some international recruits.
Patrick said bringing in some new guys had helped lift the group.
“Any type of experience helps,” he said. “Coming up a division, a lot of us have not played at this level.
‘This type of experience and skill set takes off the pressure of some of the other guys.
“We just continue to do what we can do.”
Patrick said it was nice to still be in the fight to stay up and hoped that results would go their way the next few weeks.
On the weekend, Altona North made 170 as it was bowled out in the 53rd over.
Ben Allison top scored with 58.
Patrick said it was a trying wicket and they weren’t sure whether it was a good score until Abers batted.
“It flattened out a little bit,” he said. “We did really well to grind out as many runs as we did.
“Ben Allison was able to stabilise the innings.”
Altona North started well with the ball and had Abers in trouble 5-58.
Patrick said James Taylor bowled an unbelievable spell on Saturday afternoon and they were able to ride the momentum all the way through.
Abers was bowled out for 150.
Taylor finished 6-29 off 17.5 overs.
Altona North finishes the season with clashes with Yarraville Club and Westmeadows.
“Yarraville Club was the first game of the year and was a one-dayer,” Patrick said.
“We’re looking forward to a challenging game against a good side.
“We’ve got a little more experience and anything can happen.
“Westmeadows is opportunity for both sides to finish the season with a win.”
