The Redbacks cruised past Nagambie to the tune of 128 runs in the opening round of the Haisman Shield season.
And it was largely thanks to the brilliance of its two star performers.
A career-best bowling performance from McLay, along with a masterclass batting effort from skipper Mueller stole headlines from Kyabram Recreation Reserve.
Mueller starred first when Kyabram piled on a mammoth 5-231 from 45 overs, before McLay stunned the Lakers’ batters with a special 6-17 spell.
The visitors could do nothing to counteract the pace bowler’s dominance, with Nagambie bundled out for 103 runs.
Kyabram coach Jackson McLay (3-19) was over the moon with how his squad performed against last year’s minor premier.
“It was a great performance from the boys, especially in the opening round,” the first-year coach said.
“I said to the boys after the game, ‘it’s always pleasing anytime you beat a side as good as Nagambie’.
“It was a really strong effort.”
Chasing the home side’s 231 total, Nagambie was in a commanding spot at 1-73 and with two set batters at the crease.
Enter McLay.
The former Kyabram wicket-keeper tore through the visitors’ top-order with venom.
The Lakers then lost 6-13 in quick succession and the result was put beyond doubt.
The Kyabram coach heaped praise on his side’s standout bowler.
“I thought Billy turned the game for us. Nagambie was one down for about 70-odd and then Kyle brought him on to bowl,” McLay said.
“Nagambie still had some quality players left to bat but Billy put the game to bed pretty quickly.
“He just runs in and hits the deck hard and the wicket suited his style of bowling. He has opened the bowling before and after we lost two bowlers in the off-season we knew we had to call on someone else.”
McLay also spoke highly of his side’s long-time leader and competition star batter.
“I’ve been bowling to Kyle all pre-season and he’s been hitting the ball about as good as I can remember,” McLay said.
“I wasn’t surprised at all to see him score 89 runs. I think he’s set for a really big season.”
THE GAME
Kyabram 5-231 (Kyle Mueller 89, Connor Hawes 28, Kyle Fitzgerald 27 not out, Troy Thomson 27, Mark Nolan 1-29) def Nagambie 103 (James Auld 33, Luke Nolan 22, Billy McLay 6-17, Jackson McLay 3-17)
STAR PLAYER
Billy McLay (Kyabram): It was a flip of the bat between Mueller and McLay but the bowler gets the gig this time around. McLay turned the game on its head with his remarkable spell of bowling just when Nagambie looked like it was in control.
10°C