In a red-hot race for the Haisman Shield's top three positions, Kyabram simply must take care of business tomorrow against Waaia.
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The Redbacks (42 points), winners of two straight games, sit third on the table, but have Nagambie (39) and Mooroopna (36) breathing down their necks, meaning banking points against the 11th-ranked Bombers is a non-negotiable.
They looked strong last weekend, though, handling the emerging Euroa side by five wickets with a host of stars with willow and leather.
Paul Newman continued his outstanding season with a game-high 76 runs opening the batting, taking his tally to 434 at 54.3 for the campaign, now leading the competition in run-scoring and with the fourth-highest average for those that have made more than 100 runs.
But it was with the pill the Redbacks showed what an array of weapons they have; Cade Mueller took a lethal 4-25 after entering the match with just three career Haisman wickets, while Angus McKenzie mirrored those heroics, taking 3-35 in just his third Haisman match after entering with just one previous wicket.
But Jackson McLay remains the side's most dangerous bowler, having taken 14 wickets at a fantastic average of 12.7 this campaign.
For Waaia, it will look to build on last weekend's solid display in which it lost to Old Students by four wickets, showing improved form in both disciplines in the process.
The Bombers put in one of their better batting performances of the season making 9-165 — a huge improvement on recent times in which they have been bowled out for 119, 95, 86 and 110 in four of their past five digs — while also putting the pressure on the Students by having them 4-55 at one stage.
Mitch Cleeland looked back in form taking 3-29 — his best figures of the season — now with 13 wickets at 22.3 for the campaign.