Kyabram confident in ‘different look’, Central Park-St Brendan’s aim to be ‘great’ in Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield one day final

But potentially, it may not really be new hands at all.

Despite a 4-0 start to the season, the Bloods’ round five loss to Numurkah plunged it down to third, presenting fellow 4-1 side and reigning one day premier Central Park-St Brendan’s with an opportunity to play the late December fixture.

The Tigers have history on their side in the shortened format, having pummelled Nagambie in 2024-25’s one-day final by nine wickets after it rolled the Lakers for 42 runs, and this weekend, the Tigers will be hoping for another mauling.

Although, based off its last encounter with the Redbacks, Central Park-St Brendan’s would be happy with a victorious result, no matter by how much.

Following five one day rounds to open the Haisman Shield campaign, the Tigers’ close loss to reigning two-day premiers Waaia was the only blemish.

Kyabram’s record was identical, and finished the one-day fixture atop the ladder, but its sole loss came against this weekend’s opponent.

The Redbacks put on a formidable total of 195 after 45 overs in round three, but the Tigers’ top order delivered an impeccable chase, reaching the target with a tick under two overs remaining and with seven wickets to spare.

Central Park-St Brendan’s coach Tyler Larkin said the Tigers will take plenty of belief from their performance, a win that came at Kyabram Recreation Reserve where Saturday’s grand final is held, as the club aims to become one of the “great” sides in Cricket Shepparton history.

“It’s always a good battle against Kyabram, over the last four to five years we’ve had some good tussles, some close results,” Larkin said.

“We take a lot of confidence out of that result (in round three).

“They have a good bowling unit, and chasing 200 is always a hard total, so to do that, especially at their deck, was a good effort.

“They say good sides win one, great sides go back-to-back.

“We’re motivated to achieve that.”

But while the Tigers are looking to claim consecutive flags, one day silverware would be the first to enter the Redbacks’ trophy cabinet.

It’s Kyabram’s first time playing a one-day final in the current Haisman Shield format, marking the decider as a key date on the calendar for Jackson McLay’s men, who look to exact revenge on the Tigers after their early season defeat.

“It’ll be a high-quality game, they’re a fantastic unit Central Park, I have the utmost respect for how they go about it,” McLay said.

“We haven’t played a one-day final with the current set up since COVID, so this is a box we haven’t been able to tick.

“Hopefully, we put our best foot forward and have some silverware to celebrate with over Christmas.”

Reflecting on the round three blemish, McLay said there were plenty of lessons learned from what remains Kyabram’s only loss for the season, and with added firepower to an already star-studded bowling attack, there is faith that the result will be different this time around.

“We took away a fair bit out of that loss,” McLay said.

“We didn’t take enough calculated risks with the bat, when you score around 200 in a one-dayer you’re always in the match, but we probably should’ve been around the 230 to 240 mark.

“We gave Tyler [Larkin] a chance in there as well, but this time our bowling attack will be a bit of a different look.

“Sam Langley will be in our side; he’s been having a huge impact, and we’ve been able to build pressure, form bowling partnerships better than when we last played them.

“I think both sides match up well. In terms of the ball, Sam’s in really hot form, and Cade Mueller is returning after missing last week with work.

“He’s been hitting the ball really well.”

Langley has taken 16 wickets from only five innings with the ball this year, while Mueller made a 52 in his last A-grade knock, before playing in a one day B-grade game where he bashed 69 not out off 55 balls.

But while Mueller and Langley are advocated as the Redbacks’ venom, a dependable veteran is the first name that comes to mind for Larkin.

“I can’t go past the ol’ stalwart ‘Rum’ Yze,” he said.

“He’s played well all year, always reliable.”

Yze has taken a wicket in every match bar one this year, leading the competition with 21 poles for the season, three of which were claimed in the Tigers’ last clash with Kyabram.

As for the men with the willow, Larkin himself has produced the most runs with 306 for the season (ranked fourth in the league), but it’s only marginally ahead of Connor Hayes, who has scored 294 this summer.

Set to be a baking hot afternoon, whoever can withstand the heat, both literally and figuratively, will hoist a flag at its home clubrooms as an early Christmas present.

It’ll be the makings of a white ball dynasty for Central Park-St Brendan’s, or a match of sweet vengeance and glory for Kyabram.

The first ball will be bowled at 11:30am on Saturday at Kyabram Recreation Reserve.