Waaia on the climb with Central Park-St Brendan’s scalp

Entering the game 1-1 due to a shock opening round loss to Mooroopna, the reigning premier has not been soaring as anticipated to start the 2025-26 Haisman Shield campaign.

But there was one way to fix that, and that was to put the undefeated Tigers to the sword on Waaia’s home turf.

Although it was never going to come easy.

While import Brandon Diplock claimed the poles of the opening Tigers bats, Tyler Larkin and Connor Hayes continued their dominant starts to the season with the willow, punching half-centuries for the second and third week running respectively.

When Larkin and Hayes were sent packing, Jesse Trower claimed two quick wickets, noting once Larkin and Hayes had departed, the Bombers were able to restrict a total seemingly bound for 200 plus.

“Larkin and Connor Hayes had a really big partnership, and we thought they were going to have a bigger total for a bit, but we were lucky to pull it back in the last 10 overs which made a big difference,” Trower said.

“The week before we chased 200, so we knew that we could do it - it was just a matter of putting our mind to it.”

CPStB did all it could to bring down the Bombers as the biggest partnership was no greater than the Tigers’ third-wicket stand, but a cohesive team display saw the red and black over the line.

Damien Atkins steadied Waaia through rocky waves as the Tigers claimed two wickets in the opening eight overs, before Diplock displayed why Waaia recruited the Zimbabwean product.

Diplock posted 65 not out off 75 balls, steering Waaia home by four wickets and with three balls left in a well-timed run chase - just one run was needed off the last over, although two Dwain Vidler dot balls to start the spell at the death had Waaia hearts in mouths.

“He (Diplock) was sensational on Saturday, he was really calm and composed and did exactly what he needed to, he timed his innings really well,” Trower said.

“I think he plays and understands the moments in the game.

“He’s got good leadership skills as well and he’s got a lot of experience in cricket, and made a big impact for us so far.”

Waaia sit seventh on the Haisman Shield ladder but are level on premiership points with second place as it looks to jump up into finals contention again in the weeks to come.

The Bombers host Old Students in round four, while CPStB will look to rebound from its opening defeat against Katandra.