RINGWOOD'S bowlers put their deliveries in the right spots and reaped the rewards in their Premier Cricket clash with Casey-South Melbourne on Saturday.
The Rams bowled out the visiting Bloods for 124 from 39.2 overs and then got to 3-78 at stumps with Tom Stray (34 not out) and Ian Holland (10no).
The pair will resume this Saturday looking to notch up the win and possibly put their side in position to chase more points by bowling the Bloods out for a second time.
Rams coach Gavin Keller said his bowlers put on a terrific display, bouncing back from a tough round of two one-day matches the previous weekend.
"The boys came in with the seam up and bowled in our zones and got a few good nicks," he said. "We got seven catches behind the wicket which made the opposition search for the ball.
"We have a young group. This game shows the boys are going in the right direction; to create 10 chances in 40 overs is a good effort."
Opening bowler Michael Topp (3-26) led the way for the Rams while Holland (3-34) was also dangerous.
Keller said his bowlers had set the standard for the rest of their performances this season.
"We did what the game plan asked us to do," he said. "We try to get keep it simple and stick to the basics and when you do that it takes you a long way towards success."
He said Stray and Holland were well placed to extend their partnership this Saturday.
"When you bat late in the day you are always going to lose one or two wickets; we are in a fortunate spot at 3-78," Keller said.
"Tom is very keen to get some runs after the tough conditions we have faced in the first couple of rounds. His best form is yet to come."
Holland flung his name in front of Victorian state selectors last week making 103 not out for the Victorian second XI, then following up with his good form for the Rams on Saturday. "If we lost Ian to a state game then that would be terrific," Keller said. "Our aim is to make first class cricketers."
The Rams play day two of their game against Casey-South Melbourne at Jubilee Park on Saturday at noon.