Skinner’s men defeated last season’s runners-up by 151 runs at No. 2 Oval, making 9/237 with the bat before firing with the ball.

The Hornets were dismissed for just 86 in reply.

While delighted with the win, Skinner said what was more pleasing was the fact neither he or his brother Steve dominated the match like they have had to in the past, with Mick Kempston (52), Bailey Edmunds (4/25) and Troy Tracey (2/30) all playing key roles.

“We’ve been building for a while and now we’re starting to reap the benefits,” Skinner said.

“There’s a lot of depth in the club and it's starting to show. We’ve got guys who have played first grade in second grade and that boosts them and we still had a few out.

“Dan Holland, Tom (Skinner) and Jack Kempston all missed the game.”

Souths thought they were on top early when removing Charlie Kempston in the first over while Scott Tucker was adamant he had Steve Skinner caught behind shortly after only for the appeals to be turned down.

Skinner and Kempston rebuilt but the latter was taking a far different approach to what many local cricket fans would remember.

“We were missing Dan Holland, he’s been hitting them well, so ‘Kemo’ said he’d have a game,” Mat Skinner said.

“He was a lot more patient then I’d seen him. He was nervous before he went out but he batted 20-odd overs and it’s not very often he’d do that and only get 50 but it was what we needed.”

The Tigers lifted the run rate late on and finished with 9/237, Skinner adding his side always backs itself in one-dayers with scores over 200.

Tracey removed both Souths openers before Edmunds came on at first change and tore through the middle order, picking up key man Mitch Bower with a contentious full toss in the process.

No Souths batter could better Bower’s 26 as the Tigers scored a mammoth win.

“Bonus points will be huge leading up to finals,” a pleased Skinner added.