Now coach Spencer Goddard is allowing himself to think about a possible finals campaign.

Having stepped up to the top flight competition this season, Goddard was hoping his side could prove competitive against some of the big Sydney schools. 

But to be just one win outside the top four heading into the Christmas-New Year break has surprised him.

After testing Bathurst rivals Saint Stanislaus’ College in round four, All Saints’ opened their account with a win over Blue Mountains Grammar the following week before making it two on the trot with a 16-run win over St Patrick’s College on Saturday.

“It is amazing what a few wins can do for the points table,” Goddard said.

“We weren’t that far off beating Stannies, so when the boys turned up the next week against Blue Mountains they had a lot of confidence. 

“They then beat Blue Mountains Grammar and that good win saw them confident going into the match against St Patrick’s.

“I think now the boys are getting used to the way Division One is played, they are backing themselves and playing out the full 50 overs.

“To get two wins on the trot is fantastic, and if we can get a few more after Christmas, hopefully we can sneak in to the semis.”

St Patrick’s arrived at Watson Oval with two wins and a draw from the first five rounds and would have been confident of adding to that tally.

However, Goddard rated his outfit a real chance of springing an upset.

“They are used to flatter, slower wickets, so I thought with them coming to Watson Oval, which has a bit more bounce and carry and a bit more space, I thought that we might get them,” the coach said.

All Saints’ won the toss and were first in to bat and while it was certainly not their best effort with the willow, they were able to notch up 134 in warm conditions before they were all out in the 41st over.

Representative star Tom Galvin was promoted to opener and anchored the innings with his knock of 42.

When he fell, All Saints’ were 6-89, but Jack Pople (15) and Ben Parsons (23 not out) took the hosts into triple figures. Year 8 student Parsons’ effort was particularly impressive given it was only his second game in the top grade.

Still, All Saints’ needed early wickets if they were to be a chance of defending their smallish total, and with regular new ball bowlers Luke Johnson and Peter Cobcroft absent, someone else had to rise to the challenge.

Nolan Parker (3-26 off six) did just that as he took early wickets, and when Galvin was introduced, he continued his impressive form to finish with 3-17 off 9.1 overs.

Parsons and David Cant grabbed two scalps, while off-spinner Emer-son Meehan’s work in restricting the Pat’s batsmen also played a role.

“Emerson Meehan was great. He didn’t get any wickets, but they only scored 11 runs off his 10 overs. That pressure meant the guys down the other end, Tom Galvin and David Cant, were able to get wickets,” Goddard said.

“Emerson is a fast bowler with a bad back, so about two weeks ago he started bowling off spin and it is great he can utilise his experience that way. 

“Three years ago he was thought of as quite fast, but now he can contribute with his off spin.”

The one Pat’s player who looked like swinging the result in his side’s favour was Thomas Muller. 

Muller had scored 90 back in round three against All Saints’ and, after he was dropped twice on Saturday, Goddard was concerned the talented number three would do something similar.

But Parsons had him out for 55 and, from there, Pat’s had little fight as they were all out for 118 in the 42nd over.