The Cats kicked off the new Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield season in style with a 20-run triumph over the Blues in a low-scoring affair at Numurkah Showgrounds.
Having won the toss and elected to take first use of the pitch, the visitors built a solid platform on the back of openers Corey Windridge (12) and Brodie McDonald (37) — as well as first-drop Jac Smith-Williams (27) — but left the game in the balance after falling from 1-78 to 128 all-out.
“It was a good start, to get a win like that is a really good way for us to start the year,” Cats coach Brad Lowe said.
“We started really well with the bat, but let ourselves down through the middle section. Their slow bowlers really got a hold of the game.
“We were still confident with 130 on the board, but our target at the start of the day was 160-200 at least, so we thought we fell short, but we bowled really well and got the job done.”
Mooroopna's bowlers kept the home side on a tight rein in the chase, allowing breakthroughs to take full effect.
Simon D'Elia (3-26), Will Dundon (2-12) and Luke Zanchetta (2-16) secured the rewards with the ball — while D'Elia and Lowe also managed run-outs — to have Numurkah all-out for 108 in the 43rd over.
For the home side, recruit Daniel Parnell impressed with 3-21 and 16, while Liam Gledhill (3-7 and 15), Mitch Grandell (2-25) and Michael Eckard (1-19 and 28) also battled hard.
THE GAME
Mooroopna 128 (Brodie McDonald 37, Jac Smith-Williams 27, Liam Gledhill 3-7, Daniel Parnell 3-21) d Numurkah 108 (Michael Eckard 28, Daniel Parnell 16, Simon D'Elia 3-26, Will Dundon 2-12, Luke Zanchetta 2-16).
STAR PLAYER
Simon D'Elia (Mooroopna): Found important runs late in Mooroopna's batting innings before spinning a web to stop any late charge towards victory from Numurkah. Will duke it out for the three Lightfoot Medal votes with Daniel Parnell.
More local sport
Haisman Shield season preview
Allan Matheson Shield season preview
After The Jack
Sports Bite
7°C