RINGWOOD captain Ben Osborne wants to see opening bowler Michael Topp given a chance in the Victorian futures team after another impressive performance from the Rams bowlers on Saturday.
Topp took 1-13 from 12 overs in the Rams' focused first-day performance against Essendon in unhelpful bowling conditions at Jubilee Park, Ringwood.
The visitors were bowled out for 142 and the home side was 1-66 at stumps.
Although Topp didn't take as many wickets as other weeks, Osborne said his strike bowler was simply bowling too well for oppositions.
"His early spell was another beauty. Some of those deliveries were just too good for the batsmen," Osborne said. "He didn't get the wickets he deserved, but we didn't let them [Essendon] off the hook. It was always going to flatten out, but we continued to bowl tightly."
The Victorian futures team, also known as the Victorian second XI, plays matches in the coming weeks. Osborne said he would call selectors to put a word in for his young fast bowler.
"I will be calling them this week to make sure Michael is being watched.
"I'm biased, but he thoroughly deserves it at the moment."
Rams all-rounder Ian Holland has also played for the futures team, recently making a century.
On Saturday, the Rams slow bowlers took their opportunity. Teenage leg spinner Pat Ashton (4-21) made the most of a break from his VCE exams to get his best figures in Premier Cricket.
"He's only 18 and is doing his exams, but in between study he has come out and taken 4-21," Osborne said. "He's an exciting talent.
"Our spinners bowled more overs on Saturday than they've bowled all year. It was good they took the opportunity."
While the Rams need only 77 for victory, Osborne isn't letting his side get too far ahead of itself following an outright win in its previous match.
"I would be happy to get those six points first before we worry about anything else.
"If there are plenty of overs left we'll have another crack at them, but a lot would need to go right for us to get anything more from the match."
The Rams continue their match against Essendon at Jubilee Park, Ringwood, this Saturday at noon.