Wagga RSL are hoping a big win over Lake Albert can springboard them towards more success in their doubleheader this weekend.
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Strong work in the powerplays were the key as the Bulldogs brought up a five-wicket victory, their second from three matches in Wagga's new Twenty20 competition, at Geoff Lawson Oval on Thursday night.
After Lake Albert won the toss and elected to bat, Wagga RSL soon had them under early pressure as Charlie Cull snared Alex Tucker and Rhauri MacLeod for ducks.
Just as the Bulls were regathering their innings Joe Kenny struck.
First he ran out Sam Smith (21), who had backed up too far at the non-striker's end before removing Josh Coyte (15) in the same over.
Kenny finished with 4-12 off his four overs, plus the run out, and captain Sam Perry was thrilled with what he delivered.
"He bowled very well and was quite clinical actually," Perry said.
"He was very good and while it wasn't extremely hard when he came on but they were starting to get set and he put the brakes on.
"Getting 4-12 is pretty impressive and he was outstanding in the field and hit the winning runs.
"It was his night really."
Kenny ended a 33-run partnership and while Lake Albert put on 19 runs for the final wicket they could only manage 9-96.
Ethan Perry (37) and Matt O'Neill (25) then started to make light work on the chase to set up the win.
Their efforts were backed up by Cull (21), who steadied things after the Bulldogs lost three quick wickets.
The skipper was thrilled with how they dominated the first six overs.
"We've spoken about how important the first six overs is going to be in both innings and we definitely won the first six when we were bowling," Sam Perry said.
"Charlie Cull and Benny Willis really got us off to a good start and thankfully we didn't really take the foot off the throat.
"I know they score 20 runs for their last wicket but to restrict a side to 97 at Geoff Lawson Oval is pretty good and put us in pretty good stead to chase it.
"Thankfully Ethan was good enough to bat for 15 overs to hold the innings together.
"I know we got there with two overs to go but I felt like we cruised there, we didn't have too many shots."
With games against Kooringal Colts and St Michaels to come this weekend, Perry is hoping they can continue their good starts to push towards a place in the final.
Both sides are behind them on the ladder.
"It is nearly do or die every game," Perry said.
"Losing that game to Wagga City means we are still in the hunt but if we drop another game we're probably out of contention.
"Every game feels like it is a bit of a grand final so coming up against Colts, who I think are on the improve with Bolts (David Bolton) and Nathanael (Mooney) back.
"They will be hard to beat and if Beck (Frostick) turns up St Micks can beat anyone and if Dave Garness turns up they can pretty much beat anyone.
"They're two games you can't afford to take lightly and hopefully it can set us up for something special next Friday."
Both matches are at Wagga Cricket Ground.
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