KEALBA/Green Gully secured second spot on the North West Cricket Association George Luscombe shield ladder after a three-wicket win over Sydenham Hillside at Hillside Recreation Reserve.

Andrew Lambropolous top-scored for the victors with 62, while Dave Rogowski knocked up 54 and David Morris made 43 to steer the visitors to full points.

Kealba captain Danny Viani said while he was happy with the win, his side was tested.

“We should have won a little bit easier,” he said.

“The good sides would chase down that total three or four down.

“Having said that, Sydenham bowled very well and made us work hard to win.”

Vianni said the pitch was particularly hard to bat on, making the efforts of his side all the more meritorious.

“It keeps very low as it’s an old, worn out pitch.

“If you play it back straight, you’re always a chance for an LB.”

Vianni said he was wary of his side’s second spot on the ladder, given the early stages of the season.

“Because of the bye, it’s a bit deceiving. It’s very early yet, and we’re under no illusion about it.”

Vianni said that it was a great coup for the club to be doing well in the top grade in the NWCA.

“The club has only been in the Luscombe shield for a few years, so it’s great to be up there and doing well.”

The winning captain said with key players unavailable, and a quality opponent in third placed Gladstone Park this weekend, his side will have to fight hard to maintain its spot in the top four.

“I’m out for about six to eight weeks with a stress fracture, and Dave Morris is unavailable, so we will see how we go against one of the benchmarks of the competition.”

The two-day game will be played at Green Gully Reserve on Saturday.