Sport

Waaia makes Haisman Shield finals despite having bye in final round

By Rodney Woods

Feb 28, 2021

Waaia fans can rejoice as their team will be playing Haisman Shield finals in a fortnight, despite the fact the Bombers have the bye in the final round.

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Waaia, which is currently second, batted first and posted 5-190, a target that proved too much for Shepparton United, which was bowled out for 132.

The Bombers were boosted by the all-round performance of Liam Evans, who skipper Brayden Carey was all praise for in the aftermath.

“He's been the man all year,” Carey said.

“He plods away with the bat and hits the big shots when he needs to.

“When he keeps it tidy with the ball he always gets his one, two or three wickets and it is very handy to have a player like him in our side.”

Evans top scored with the bat, making 56 off 106 deliveries and backed it up with 3-10.

Connor Brown (32 off 20, with three sixes, and 2-31) and Greg Meyland (22 off 12 and 3-27) also stood out.

Carey said the most pleasing part of the win was the team's ability to keep wickets in hand.

“We just kept wickets in the shed and allowed Connor and Greg to go hard at the end,” he said.

“We got 50 off the last five purely because we had wickets in the shed.

“It wasn't a complete batting performance, but that's what we aimed to do, so it was very pleasing.”

Chaminda Vidanapathirana top-scored for United, making 42 off 51 deliveries, from number nine.

That followed his 1-36 with ball in hand.

When asked whether the bye could hinder the momentum Waaia has built leading into finals, Carey was looking at the positives.

“It will be nice to freshen up,” he said.

“Jessie Trower has had a side strain and hasn’t been able to bowl for three matches.

“Bowling is our strength, so hopefully it works well us (having the week off).

The win means Waaia can only fall to fourth, at worst, but if results go its way, the Bombers could still remain in second spot.

THE GAME

Waaia 5-190 (Liam Evans 56, Connor Brown 32) d Shepparton United 132 (Vidanapathirana 42, Liam Evans 3-10, Greg Meyland 3-27)

STAR PLAYER

Liam Evans (Waaia): While all-round performances were the order of the day, especially for Waaia, Evans’ form still shone through. If a match-winning 56 wasn't enough, his 3-10 made sure Waaia will be playing finals.