Weston Creek Molonglo skipper John Rogers describes all-rounder Sam Taylor as the team's barometer and if that is the case then they're set for a big win against Wests on Saturday.
Taylor notched his first century in more than two years to ensure Creek led at stumps on day one after 22 wickets fell at Stirling Oval last Saturday.
Wests won the toss and elected to bat but were skittled for just 96 runs in 34.2 overs as Blake Dean (3-9) and Taylor (3-14) rolled through the visitors attack.
The small chase was off to a rocky start at 3-4 and 4-33 but Taylor (116) steadied the ship to ensure Creek posted 181 runs before it was time to bowl again.
The early wickets of Matthew Condon (13) and Lachlan Murchie (7) saw Wests finish play 2-50 to leave Creek in the box seat with 45-run lead heading into day two.
Taylor put his return to form down to getting his eye in over Christmas playing backyard cricket with his cousins and said it was a great feeling to be back amongst the runs.
"My last one was a couple of years ago, so it had been been a little while between drinks and it's always nice to ton up, especially at home," Taylor said.
"I went around to the president's house to celebrate over a few wines because that's what you do, I appreciate it tastes nice but I don't know what I'm drinking, I just just smile and nod.
"I was having a chat to the boys at training and making a score just relaxes you and reassures you to keep things simple, see the ball, hit the ball, it puts some confidence back in your game and hopefully I can get a another couple.
"It was a good day out but a weird day, I've never seen 22 wickets fall at Stirling, it's usually a pretty good deck so I don't know how it's all happened, but hopefully we can press on from here and cement our spot at the top of the ladder."
Rogers missed the game away on holidays but is hoping his men can secure the outright victory on the back of Taylor's performance.
"He's a pillar in our team with bat and ball and a great fielder, he's a three-dimensional player and the barometer of our team - when he's going well the team's going well," Rogers said.
