Junior Cricket Week Day 3 Wrap - Wet weather doesn’t stop Cricket Shepparton’s dominance

Cobram Showgrounds became Green’s kingdom for the day, as he plundered eight boundaries in an innings filled with class, poise and power.

The opener would receive great support from his middle order, with the likes of Riley Dawson (24 not out) and Oliver Warburton (16) providing excellent cameos to help keep the scoreboard ticking along.

With such a strong score on the board and a perfect opportunity to make it three wins on the trot, Mother Nature played her cruel hand.

After 13.2 overs, Shepparton had the Murray Valley boys in a world of trouble at 2-31, before the heavens opened and play was called off for the day, meaning both teams shared the points.

Shepparton’s under-15 boys made it three-from-three with a thrilling seven-run win over Sunraysia Cricket Association.

Batting first after being sent in at Strathfieldsaye Cricket Ground, Samuel O’Brien would be the hero for Cricket Shepparton, compiling a masterful unbeaten half-century on what proved a difficult wicket.

O’Brien was given fantastic support by opener Ryan Ash, who battled hard for his 41 off 116 balls, with the slow run rate a product of some excellent bowling by the Sunraysia attack.

Posting 149 from their 45 overs, the Shepparton bowlers came into the second innings knowing it would need a brilliant bowling effort to come away with the victory.

Opener Ashton Young would get his side off to a blistering start, tearing through the Sunraysia top order to take 3-14.

With the game seemingly in control at 5-87, Shepparton would receive a scare when Mitchell Lindsey (40) got together with the tail and made one last ditch effort at getting to the total.

But to its credit, Shepparton held firm and bowled Sunraysia for 142, seven runs short of the target.

Shepparton’s under-14 squad was ruthless in its effort against Murray Valley, coming away with a dominant seven-wicket win.

Bowling first at Berrigan, Shepparton was on song from the first ball, ripping through the top order with no Murray Valley batter making it to double figures.

Twenty-two runs in extras would be the only blemish on an otherwise near perfect performance, with Baz McDonald the standout, taking 2-8 from his five overs.

Needing 56 runs for victory, Shepparton came out with attacking intent with the bad weather looming.

Opener Oscar Emanuelli was brilliant from start to finish, hitting 29 off 42 balls to see his side to the target in 14.2 overs.

Cricket Shepparton’s under-17 girls were once again dominant, this time putting Bendigo District Cricket Association to the sword by eight wickets.

Bowling first at Dower Park, Bella Woods led the way taking 3-7 from her four overs as the Shepparton bowlers caused problems for the Bendigo batters all day with not one reaching double figures.

Needing 61 for victory, Shepparton attacked the chase with positive intent, with opener Alyse O’Connell immediately taking it to the Bendigo bowlers.

Striking an unbeaten 27 off 36 balls, she would build the perfect platform for her team, which claimed victory after 15 overs.

It was a mixed bag for Cricket Shepparton’s under-13 squads, with both of its A-grade teams claiming victories over Bendigo and Murray Valley respectively.

While its B-grade side fell in a one-wicket thriller to Bendigo, handing the association its only loss during the day session.

Shepparton’s under-17 boys played under lights at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve in what promised to be a thrilling encounter with Murray Valley.