However, yesterday NTOB had some wobbles when CD Stag spinner Marty Kain, who had scored 48 runs in Athletics' 181 all out, took a couple of quick wickets after the opening batsmen departed cheaply.
Smidt's inclusion of veteran Craig Findlay paid off, as he steadied the innings with 43 not out after a measured partnership with Josh Paerau, who added 35.
Nevertheless, it was wildcard Jurgen Andersen at No7 who calmed his teammates' nerves with a don't-argue 51 not out, including four lusty sixes, to chase down the target with 6.3 overs to spare.
"We saw glimpses of it [seamer Andersen's batting prowess] but he had a good one today with some huge sixes on a ground that has big boundaries here," Smidt said.
NTOB have 13 victories on the trot and are now gunning for 14 this weekend in a bid to equal the record of the 2004 team.
The Texans play CHB at Nelson Park in a T20 affair.
