The final match of Cricket Shepparton’s Haisman Shield season will be telling for Mooroopna Cricket Club — a win will get it there, a loss could have it dumped from the six if results go against it.
The Cats will host Karramomus at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve on Saturday on the back of a resounding display against Old Students last weekend.
Ethan Anderson and Jake Wright provided a counter-punch after Students had the Cats’ top-order in trouble, blasting 53 and 48 respectively to have the visitors put a whopping 211 on the board.
They were at their menacing best with ball in hand, with almost all of the Mooroopna bowling unit enjoying a share in the wickets.
Luke Zanchetta (2-37) and Jake Wright (2-27) snagged two, while Jack Gaskill (4-32) took four in a lethal nine-over spell.
Students were bundled out for 159 with an over remaining; Mooroopna collecting a much-needed win.
Numurkah’s loss to Nagambie has opened the door for those around it to sneak into finals contention, with the Lakers now two points adrift of Mooroopna in fifth.
Below them are Northerners, who face perhaps the biggest challenge of their season this weekend when they face Waaia in what is a must-win for the Jets.
The return of Anderson and Wright to Mooroopna’s line-up has the Cats sharpening claws for what lies ahead, although their bowling unit still misses the spin expertise of Simon D’Elia, who has been out with a knee injury he picked up in round 11 against Waaia.
A final round shake-up this weekend is almost a certainty, with the stage set for an exhilarating finale to the Haisman Shield home and away season.