Cricket Shepparton under-16 wrap | Tigers and Cats can’t be split in Deakin Reserve thriller

By Zac Standish

Feb 15, 2022

Hitting form: Mason Reeves was a standout for Notre Dame-St Brendan’s in its tie with Mooroopna. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

A thrilling draw between Mooroopna and Notre Dame-St Brendan’s highlighted another exciting weekend of Cricket Shepparton under-16 action.

A stunning late innings collapse of 5-4 from Mooroopna would cause absolute scenes at Deakin Reserve, as Notre Dame stole the most improbable of draws in a scintillating morning of cricket.

Winning the toss and batting first, Rory Duffy got Notre Dame off to a fast start, striking a run a ball 20 from the top of the order.

Mason Reeves (13) and Yuvi Mahli (19) continued the charge for the home side as it inched towards a large total.

But a clump of late wickets halted the Tigers’ momentum, with a collapse of 5-20 in the latter overs having them register 8-104.

Set up to be an intriguing run chase, Duffy showed his class from the outset, knocking over both openers in quick succession to have Notre Dame on top.

With the game appearing to get away from the Cats, Kobie Issell strode to the crease and completely changed the momentum with a blistering 37 off 20 balls.

With the Cats needing five runs to win with five wickets still in the sheds, the Tigers mustered up an incredible fightback, as Duffy, Reeves and Ethan Beck made key breakthroughs to have the game tied up at 104.

Ladder-leader Numurkah avoided a major scare from seventh-placed Old Students White, triumphing by 18 runs in a low-scoring thriller at Kialla Park Reserve.

Zavier Morris (23) and Reeve Verhoeven (20) were the stars for the Blues with the bat, while for Students Mitchell Higgins (3-9) and Zac Bathman (2-5) were on song as Numurkah only managed 83 from its 19.2 overs.

Set an achievable 84 for victory, Students simply could not get any free-flowing scoring going with the bat as the Numurkah bowlers consistently hit their spots.

Nash Siermans was particularly impressive for the Blues taking 2-6 from his two overs, while Verhoeven was also economical taking 1-2 in his spell.

For Students Jacob Kinnane and Riley Humphrey were gallant, both registering 14, but it wasn’t enough, finding themselves 18 runs short after their 20 overs.

A powerful batting performance led Karramomus to a pivotal 14-run win over Waaia.

Isaac Cox was the star of the show for the Bloods, plundering an unbeaten 31 off 20 balls to lift his side to a strong 2-101 from its 20 overs.

Waaia was gallant in the chase, with Will Trower’s 16 from the top of the order giving it a chance to snatch the win.

But the Bloods held firm with the ball, as the Bombers fell short by 14 runs in what ended up being an exciting finish.

Euroa rounded out the winners’ list with a clinical four-wicket win over Old Students Blue.

Mitchell Walters was chief destroyer with the ball for the Magpies, taking 3-12 from his three overs, before Cohen Paul took charge with the bat, making an unbeaten 24 to see Euroa to victory.