An unbelievable contest between two heavyweights of the Jim McGregor Shield finished in a thrilling tie, as Numurkah ended its innings stranded on Toolamba's total of 141 runs.
Unlike Cricket Shepparton's Twenty20 format, there was no super over to decide the winner, meaning Toolamba was crowned champion of the James Scott Trophy due to finishing higher on the one-day ladder.
As per rule 37.2 (c) in the Cricket Shepparton rule book: ‘'Should the result of a match be a tie or draw, the side which ranked higher at the conclusion of the home and away matches shall be the winner.”
The match was worthy of a final status, as the contest ebbed and flowed in favour of both sides.
Toolamba — having won the toss and electing to bat first — looked to pile on quick runs, with opening duo Greg Watts (21 runs) and Aidan Callegari (18) crunching six boundaries between them.
Numurkah's Jason Verhoeven battled away with the cherry in hand and picked up two wickets, as the Taipans began to crumble during the middle overs.
With the scoreboard reading 6-88, Toolamba's Justin Dimond (26 runs) and Chris O'Keeffe (22 not out) combined for a match-winning partnership.
At the end of Toolamba's 40 overs, the pair had lifted Toolamba to a defendable total of 7-141.
Despite Numurkah getting off to a flying start with the bat, the Taipans were able to reel it in, thanks to line and length bowling from Watts (2-18) and Lachlan Thurston (2-23).
Sharp work in the field also helped the Taipans restrict the Blues’ batting line-up and before long, the outcome of the final was to be decided in the final over.
The Taipans were able to hang on and seal a memorable win, which has the first piece of silverware in the C-grade season head to Toolamba.
THE GAME
Toolamba 7-141 (Sioeli Makalio 26, Justin Dimond 26, Chris O'Keeffe 22)
Numurkah 141 (Greg Watts 2-18, Lachlan Thurston 2-23)
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