OAKLEIGH has all but sealed second spot on the Victorian Sub-District Cricket Association ladder after an outright win over Endeavour Hills at Warrawee Park on Saturday.
The Hills made a disastrous 9-22 declared in the early overs of day one, an innings which meant they would never seriously challenge for any points from the game.
The Oaks converted a dominant day one into full points on day two but had to fight hard as the Hills looked on course to hold out, entering the last over before tea at 3-113 chasing 225.
But the Oaks struck through Andrew Splatt (3-13) in that final over and from then on, Oaks captain Jarrod Travaglia said, his side had made every post a winner to take the final six wickets.
"They probably had the better of us up until tea but after that we dominated," he said.
"It was pleasing to see the boys stick to our bowling plans and make sure we bowled them out without needing to bat again."
Travaglia started on day one with 124, an innings which proved important to both his own confidence and that of his team.
"It's been two years since I made a hundred so it was good to convert a chance," he said.
The Oaks have a two-day clash against Mt Waverley at Mt Waverley Reserve this Saturday and the following Saturday before finishing the season with a one-day game against Kingston Saints at Warrawee Park on March 3.
"We have gained some good momentum the past few weeks. We need to continue that," Travaglia said.