Old Students bounced back from a two-game losing streak in fine fashion, with a comprehensive five-wicket victory against Tatura on Saturday.
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Although Students lost five wickets in their chase, they chased down Tatura's 131 with ease at Frank Howley oval.
But the Haisman Shield win was set up by Callan McCabe and his damaging 3-19 opening spell, as he and his Students teammates tore through the Tatura line-up to hand them their fifth straight loss.
The round five triumph has Old Students back inside the Haisman Shield top six and Old coach Chris Earl was one happy man.
“The most pleasing aspect was our effort and intensity,” Earl said.
“We had our challenges during the game and to be able to hang on and get the win was very pleasing.”
“Especially since we had lost our past couple of matches.”
After Tatura won the toss and batted, McCabe led Old Students in wreaking havoc on the home side's batsmen.
Nav Gill (3-31) and Nick Breslin (2-21) chipped in with plenty of support, while Tatura's English import Connor Davies flew the flag with a daring 41 late in the innings.
Tatura and its skipper Michael Archer (2-29) battled hard with the ball , but McCabe (18) and veteran Gino Saracino (43 not out) were able to get their side over the line.
“Tatura got away from us at the end (of their innings) and put on an extra few runs after we grabbed early wickets,” Earl said.
“But the boys kept the effort up and didn't drop their heads, which was great.
“The next challenge was that our top order got starts, but we just lost a couple of wickets and needed somebody to lead the way.
“I was really pleased with how Gino batted, he has had limited options this year, so it was great to see him bat well.”
But Saracino was not the only player that earned praise from Earl, with McCabe's efforts with the ball and bat catching the eye.
“Callan bowled very well, he has been all season at training,” he said.
“He bowls a great line and length and continuously puts in the effort.
“And although he didn't get plenty of runs, he still showed great poise and he settles into his innings well, which will suit two-day cricket in the coming weeks.”
THE GAME
Tatura 131 (Connor Davies 41, Callan McCabe 3-19, Nav Gill 3-31, Nick Breslin 2-21) lost to Old Students 5-132 (Gino Sarachino 43, Felix Odell 18, Michael Archer 2-29)
STAR PLAYER
Callan McCabe (Old Students): It was a great all-round effort from the opening bowler and number three batsman. McCabe picked up 3-19 off his nine overs and finished with four maidens in what was a superb display of tight bowling. He then backed up his strong bowling spell with 18 at first drop, to just edge out teammate Gino Saracino's 43 for star player honours.
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