McMahon Shield | Swans lose a player mid-season as last chance for 2023 points beckons

By Josh Huntly

Dec 14, 2023

Waiting: Oliver Williams pulls a shot. Photo: Bruce Povey Photo by Bruce Povey

With a single round left to play in 2023, just one opportunity remains this year to stake a claim for a higher position on the McMahon Shield ladder heading into the Christmas break.

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One-day clashes are the name of the game in round nine, and for ladder-leaders Moama, its game against Nondies-Cohuna will hopefully yield another win to keep its unbeaten run intact.

The Pies have gone eight consecutive games without tasting defeat and will be looking to sign off on the year in style at Moama Reserve after a big win over Cooma last week.

Over at Echuca South, the Swans host the winless Tongala.

After a gallant run chase against Kyabram Fire Brigade last week, one headlined by Asantha Singappuli’s 183-run masterclass, Echuca South will be keen to rebound quickly, dropping to fourth spot and sitting just one game ahead of Bamawm-Lockington United.

But the Swans will need to proceed through the rest of the season without one of their pace bowlers.

Opening bowler Shaun Haffenden has made the move from South Reserve to Nondies-Cohuna in a big mid-season switch after six seasons with the Swans.

But the Swans’ loss will be the men in purple’s gain as they tackle Moama.

Meanwhile, Rochester will be hoping to stay in touch with the top four in their game against Kyabram Fire Brigade, who are currently in hot form on a six-game winning streak.

Paul Newman looms ominously for the Flames, coming off a double century and a ton last round against Echuca South, boasting 398 runs from his previous three knocks.

Rochy, seventh, are two games off the pace of the four, and fifth-placed BLU will be hoping to keep it that way as they aim to jump into the frame. The Lions also face a side without a win this season in Leitchville-Gunbower.

Rounding out the action is reigning premier Echuca facing up to Cooma, with the former hoping to notch its second win over the Two Blues.