But after a 34-run win over Shepparton United on Saturday, the young Jets are doing more than just holding their own, they are pushing hard for a Haisman Shield finals berth.
Batting first at the weekend, Northerners reached 6-206 from their allotted 45 overs at Tallygaroopna Recreation Reserve before limiting United to 172 in reply.
It is a result that has the Jets in seventh spot, two points behind Waaia in sixth.
“It was a win we had to have,” Allen said.
“At the start of the season we lost quite a few players from our squad and we were uncertain how the season would pan out. We are a very young team, so really it was more about getting some experience.
“You always aim to play finals, but it was more about getting our squad up to speed with what is required to play A-grade cricket and it has been great to see that we have been able to win a few games along the way.”
Jets skipper Ben Pedretti played a key role with the bat, blasting 64 runs from 103 balls that was the pillar of Northerners’ innings.
Almost just as crucially, youngsters Preston Hall (30 not out) and Zavier Davidson (29) helped the Jets add 86 runs from the last 10 overs to push their score beyond 200.
“Ben batted particularly well,” Allen said.
“Preston and Zavier are younger members of our group and they did a good job, it was good to see them contribute.”
Needing to put up its second-highest score of the season to chase victory, United’s innings in reply got off to a strong start.
Shepparton United fought its way to 0-41, but three quick wickets changed the game.
Declan Newbound had United’s openers Tyler Green (17) and Fahad Mirza (26) out in quick succession and Harwinder Singh’s dismissal for zero – his third duck in as many matches – had United in trouble at 3-43
United fought back, but despite Mahesh Kodamullage and Steven Tate scoring in the 30s, its run rate fell behind the pace and it was ultimately all out for 172.
Allen said the early spell of 3-3 was key in helping the Jets to victory.
“That was crucial. That first wicket was important,” he said.
“They were going at a nice clip, so to really grab wickets in clumps meant that they had to consolidate and we were able to put some scoreboard pressure on them.
“It was probably one of our better performances of the year. It was a pleasing effort.
“It was a good win for us and it was good to see some of the less experienced guys having an impact and their confidence will grow from that.”
Connor Green was the pick of the bowlers for United with 3-30 in five overs, while Newbound (4-17) and Trent Sidebottom (3-43) starred with the ball for the Jets.
THE GAME
Northerners 6-206 (Ben Pedretti 64, Preston Hall 30 not out, Connor Green 3-30) d Shepparton United 172 (Mahesh Kodamullage 34, Declan Newbound 4-17, Trent Sidebottom 3-43)
STAR PLAYER
Declan Newbound (Northerners): Newbound played a key role with the ball that helped Northerners to victory. He claimed two important United wickets in opening bats Tyler Green and Fahad Mirza early on, ending with match figures of 4-17 from 7.5 overs with one maiden. He also took a catch in the field.
