The Beavers moved within striking distance of the Merri conference top two after prevailing against the Pirates after two dramatic days at Avery’s Paddock.

They started the day with a 48-run first-innings deficit but routed the Pirates for 101 early on day two to lay the platform for an unlikely triumph.

McCosh ensured the opportunity did not go to waste with a composed 73 not out to guide the visitors to victory.

“He played everywhere around the wicket, every shot in the book all along the ground and he really believed in himself,” McArdle said of McCosh.

“He made his first 50 for the club yesterday. His running between the wickets was incredible.  He was quite worn out.

“He was out there for every one of those 150 runs and it’s a pretty big oval. He certainly had to do a lot of running.”

McArdle said the victory was “certainly right up there” among the best he had played in at Wesley-CBC.

“Not every week you get a reverse outright. There’s a lot more belief in the squad at the moment and everyone stood up,” he said.

Man of the match Ben Evans (3-13, for match figures of 9-35) and Tom Bowman (3-49) were the chief destroyers to open the door for McCosh’s heroics.

“The first two balls there, two were chances that didn’t go to hand. Tommy just hit really good areas and asked plenty of questions early,” McArdle said.

“We had them 2-10 and we got Aaron Williams out (next), which was a massive wicket.

“The belief — it didn’t really matter if we were chasing 100 runs for victory or 180. No matter what the figure was I thought we could get them.”

Elsewhere in the Merri conference, Kory Howlett made an unbeaten ton to lead Woodford to victory against West Warrnambool at Jack Keane Oval.

Howlett posted 105 not out, his highest score, as the Eels finished at 6-220 in reply to the Panthers’ 216. Captain Nick Butters also made 69.

Howlett said he was pleased to reach three figures for the first time.

He said he struggled early, with Simon Johnson making life tough, but became more comfortable the longer he stayed at the crease.

“It was better to win the game though. It was pretty close in the end there. It was good to get over the line,” he said.

Butters was full of praise for his young teammate.

“It was obviously a terrific innings. The way he ran between the wickets and manoeuvred the field, you couldn’t fault it,” he said.

“He’s done a lot of work. It’s good to see all his work paying off for him. ”

Russells Creek produced one of its best bowling performances of the season to win the other match in the conference, against East Warrnambool-YCW.

The Broncos resumed at 0-37 at Jetty Flat in pursuit of 192. But they were all out for 134, with four bowlers sharing the wickets.

Kyle Humphrys made a half-century and Sam Younghusband finished with 42 not out as Creek raced to 2-150 in its second innings.

afawkes@fairfaxmedia.com.au