And that’s exactly what the Cats managed to do when they travelled to Howley Oval and defeated Tatura by four wickets.
It took an all-round team performance for Mooroopna to dismiss the host for 128 runs and then successfully chase down the target in the 37th over.
The comfortable triumph locks the Cats in second spot on the table, eight points behind Central Park-St Brendan’s and tied on 38 points with Waaia.
The trio has begun to widen the gap to their fellow challengers and, in a season where seven points separates fifth and 10th, Zanchetta was pleased to see his side pocket its sixth win of the year.
“I know Tatura had a couple out, but it was still a great effort to get the win over there,” Zanchetta said.
“The way the table is shaping up it’s really important to keep winning games and we seem to be doing enough in our games to get the job done without putting ourselves under too much pressure.
“It gives us the confidence that we’re in control for the majority of our matches and we continue to do the basics well.”
Zanchetta continued his sublime year with ball in hand and collected 2-8 from eight overs.
Jake Wright was the pick of the bowlers with 3-23, while Jack Gaskill (2-33) picked up the vital wicket of Tatura’s top-scorer Peter Watt (32 runs).
Tatura, fresh off a tough loss to the Tigers and with key personnel missing, managed to almost bat out its innings on Saturday.
A wicket in the second over of Mooroopna’s run chase gave Tatura a brief sniff of an upset.
However, opener Corey Windridge (31 runs) and Jac Smith-Williams (23) were able to steer their side back on track.
Mooroopna’s run rate hovered at more than four runs throughout the entirety of its innings and, although eight batters were called upon, it was an easy watch for the away side’s supporters.
“It was a very similar game to last weekend. We changed our line-up around to give a few guys some time out in the middle,” Zanchetta said.
“It was good to be able to give Will (Dundon) and Jack (Gaskill) some time at the crease because it will be beneficial for them come the end of the season when or if they are called upon.
“We’re very team focused and orientated. When the suggestion came up to flip the order around everyone welcomed it.”
THE GAME
Tatura 128 (Peter Watt 32, Jake Wright 3-23, Luke Zanchetta 2-8, Simon D’Elia 2-24) lt Mooroopna 6-129 (Corey Windridge 31, Lachlan Magee 3-23, Will Russell 2-25)
STAR PLAYER
Jack Gaskill (Mooroopna): A couple of wickets and a handful of runs late in the game has Gaskill awarded the star player gong. Despite Mooroopna enjoying an even spread of contributors in the win, Gaskill was able to pick up the handy wicket of Tatura’s top-scorer Peter Watt and remain unbeaten on 19 in the run chase.
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