MICHAEL Dawson’s fine form with the bat continued on Saturday as he helped guide Hillgrove to victory against Easts.
Dawson scored his fourth half-century of the season with a match-winning knock of 52 as the Colts eased passed Easts’ tally of 154 in the 33rd over.
It’s been a big season for the 18-year-old opening batsman, who is leading the first grade batting aggregate with 375 runs at an average of 75.
Dawson had plenty of support on Saturday, with Matt Schaefer (28), Scott Brennan (36*) and Brad King (29) all troubling the Easts bowlers.
Hillgrove restricted its rivals on the back of an excellent bowling partnership between Brennan and Schaefer, who each bowled 12 overs.
Brennan snared 4/45, while Schaefer finished with 3/40.
Steve Haydon also chipped in with 2/7 from four overs.
The win means Hillgrove will go into the Christmas break on top of the ladder, regardless of this Saturday’s result against City.
Meanwhile, Easts risk being two wins adrift of third spot and a finals berth if it loses to Ex-Services.
