Gladman took 5-16 off 7.4 overs as Northern Rivers bowled country rival Central Highlands out for 97 at Carlton’s Princes Park. In reply, Northern Rivers stumbled over the line for the loss of eight wickets before eventually being dismissed for 112.

Central Highlands made a slow but steady start to be 0-19 before Sandhurst paceman Gladman turned the game with two wickets in his opening over.

His first spell was 4-9 off six overs as Central Highlands lost 7-25 to go from 0-19 to 7-44. Central Highland’s tailenders rallied to set Northern Rivers 98 to win.

It looked to be an easy chase on paper, but Gisborne spinner Roby Lane had other ideas. The left-armer took the new ball for Central Highlands and finished with figures of 4-9 off 10 overs.

Strathdale-Maristians’ opening batsman James Vlaeminck played a vital innings for Northern Rivers.

He made a game-high 34 off 70 balls and was the only top-order player in either team to score more than 20.

Northern Rivers had nervous moments at 6-71 at 8-93, but they scraped home, with Will Gadsden adding a handy 17 to the four catches he took behind the stumps.

Northern Rivers play Metropolitan Northern at Melboune Uni on Tuesday.