The miserly off-spinner finished with the impeccable figures of 5-50 off 24 overs to restrict Avondale Heights to 215 off 78 overs away at Canning Street Reserve.

Charlton's influence over the day one outcome was profound with the tireless performance giving his side a genuine shot of victory.

"He was easily the pick of the bowlers," Heights captain Matthew Shawcross said.

"He bowled real tight and didn't give much away.

"He's not a huge turner of the ball but puts it on the spot."

The Heights might have unearthed a player of the future at the other end.

They turned to teenager Chris Gatt to take the new ball in place of front-liner Adrian Godfrey, who returned to his homeland of India.

Godfrey is an integral part of the bowling attack having taken seven wickets at 7.29.

Gatt, who has thrived since stepping up to the firsts, played an important role with 2-26 off 15 overs.

Shawcross says a guarantee that the first XI would persist with Gatt might have eased his nerves.

"He has the confidence knowing that he will play a few games and not just come in for one," he said.

The Heights are sitting in the middle of the ladder in the last game before the Christmas break.

They will go one of two ways at the conclusion of this match: top four or bottom four.

Shawcross, who survived to stumps with Ilario Candusio to take the Heights' reply to 0-9, is confident his side can win and go into the holidays in a festive mood.

"If our guys put value on their wicket and bat out the full 80 overs, we should make the runs," he said.

VTCA

North division: Sunshine Druids 1-11 v Strathmore 139, Sunshine United 1-2 v Doutta Stars 189 (McGrath 2-39 Sheridan 2-41 Blair 2-42), Keilor Park v Keilor 9-305.

North A1: Werribee Centrals 2-45 v St Albans, Taylors Lakes 135 v Aberfeldie Park 3-64.

West B1: Barkly Street Uniting v St Andrews 275 (Pipczak 96 Armstrong 56 Krygger 42no), Sunshine YCW 85 v Seddon 2-158, Avondale Heights 215 (Charlton 5-50) v Sunshine Heights 0-9.