MOOROOPNA, Waaia, Kyabram and Nagambie have progressed to Cricket Shepparton’s Haisman Shield A Grade preliminary finals after a rain-affected weekend of cricket.
Sixth-placed Kyabram was the upset winner to survive the first week of finals, with a six-wicket win over minor premiers Nagambie on Sunday after their Saturday match was washed out. As the highest-ranked losing team, the Lakers get a second chance and will face Mooroopna this weekend.
In the redraw, Nagambie batted first and struggled to put partnerships together, with the exception of a 45-run stand between Ben Tarran and Mark Nolan.
Kyabram’s bowling attack was sharp and had the home team skittled for 111 in the 43rd over. Jackson McLay’s 2/11 from his 9 overs was a highlight.
In reply, Kyabram lost opener Paul Newman for a duck then number three batsman Charlie McLay when they were on 5, so it wasn’t a great start.
From there though, Billy McLay and Kyle Mueller dug in to put on an innings-saving 76-run partnership.
McLay fell on 41 but Mueller held up one end to see his side through to victory, crossing the line on 50 not out with Kyabram at 4/112 in the 40th over.
All results in brief:
• Waaia 175 G Meyland 37, J Cleeland 32, MJ Cleeland 28, L Evans 26, H Walker 4/33, J Sidebottom 2/29, J Brett 2/34 DEF Northerners 102 C Brown 4/20, G Meyland 3/19, MJ Cleeland 2/5
• Nagambie 111 MC Nolan 28, CD Hawes 3/6, J McLay 2/11, C Ryan 2/25 DEF BY Kyabram 4/112 K Mueller 50*, B McLay 41, MC Nolan 2/13
• Mooroopna 7/165 B Mulcahy 45*, B McDonald 45, J Smith-Williams 44, M Eckard 4/33 DEF Numurkah 4/53 M Eckhard 36, L Zanchetta 2/15 (Numurkah innings abandoned after 23 overs)
This Saturday’s preliminary finals are:
• Mooroopna v Nagambie at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve
• Waaia v Kyabram at Waaia Recreation Reserve
Both matches start at 12.30pm.
