Kyabram squeezes by Lakers to uphold top ladder position

Nagambie backed in its bowlers to wreak havoc after winning the toss, and youngster James Auld ensured the Redbacks would have their work cut out for them.

Auld skittled both Cade Mueller for 21 and Paul Parsons for a three ball duck, before Billy McLay was run out after a steady 16 off 61.

But from there Kyabram would resist the Lakers’ line and length, with skipper Kyle Mueller doing what he does best to produce a tidy 62, while Alec Young chipped in beside him to make 29.

Kyabram coach Jackson McLay lauded Mueller’s competence with the stick on a difficult wicket, in what was “the difference” for the end result.

“Kyle was brilliant, it was a pretty difficult wicket to bat on, and apart from Kyle no one really looked in full control,” McLay said.

“He showed his class yesterday and was probably the difference overall.”

Mueller would bat until the penultimate over to ensure a solid target was on the board, but Nagambie weren’t out of the hunt - set 178 to win.

“We were pretty happy with the score,” McLay said.

“On a tricky wicket, both sides knuckled down, and we made what we thought was - and what ended up being - a pretty par score.”

Unfortunately for the Lakers, all the sixth-placed side needed was one man to go on and make a score like Kyabram’s captain had, but it was a day of missed opportunities and pressure bowling by Kyabram.

Brayden Biggs top scored with 28 amongst a number of other scores in the 20s and late teens, depicting that Nagambie just couldn’t persevere once a start had been made with the willow.

The score sheet also echoes what Kyabram coach Jackson McLay has promoted all year - bowling in partnerships - but after an interrupted start to 2026, McLay believes there’s still cobwebs to be shaken out.

“It wasn’t our best performance in the field, we dropped about four catches and weren’t as consistent with the ball, with the skill set we like to think we hold,” he said.

“But to be fair no one’s played much cricket since December so we have to expect to be a little bit rusty.

“We’ll take the six points but I think we’ve got a fair bit to improve - but with overs under the belt it’ll come, so it’ll be nice to get some 80-over cricket going again.”

All six Redbacks bowlers claimed a scalp on Saturday, ensuring that from either end of the pitch, Nagambie would struggle to let loose.

The Lakers fell short by nine runs with one wicket remaining as the 45-over innings concluded.

Only half a game separates Nagambie from dropping outside the finals equation, meaning an away victory over Katandra will be vital in round 10.

Kyabram play Mooroopna, and McLay is wary of the Cats’ talent despite their eighth-placed position on the ladder.

“They look like they batted well yesterday,” McLay said.

“Everyone in the comp is capable on their day,”