Tatura’s got 38 problems, but losing ain’t one.
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When Old Students had the red, white and blue gasping for air after Tatura coach Daniel Coombs was finally dismissed for 50, it would have thought 38 runs to protect with just two wickets to get would be enough.
But against Tatura, nothing’s safe.
The current fifth-placed side in Cricket Shepparton’s Haisman Shield rose from 4-8 to defeat Numurkah in round seven, and in round nine secured another late turnaround to claim its sixth win of the season.
Old Students took to the crease first, and on a difficult Kialla Park Reserve wicket, Tatura let the Kookaburra to the talking.
Old Students’ Oscar Lambourn’s 62 was key for the home side, as Tatura ripped through the order, with no other batter surpassing 14.
Frustratingly for the visitors though, bowling 19 wides made sundries the second-top scorer as Coombs echoed a similar sentiment spoken from around the league.
“We bowled well in patches but probably the most wides we’ve bowled all year,” Coombs said.
“But obviously since Christmas we haven’t played very much so we were a bit scratchy.”
Old Students were bowled out for 155 with a touch under two overs remaining, but on a grassy surface, Coombs knew it wouldn’t be an easy task for his men.
“It had quite a bit of grass on it, a bit two-paced and there was the occasional ball that was a bit jumpy,” Coombs said.
“The variable bounce made it difficult to see yourself in.”
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Old Students' Callan McCabe winds back the willow. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 8
Tatura's Joshua Macansh is relieved of shining duties. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 8
Tatura's Jayden Armstrong cannons the Kookaburra into the pitch. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 8
Tatura's Tanner Miller took four wickets against Old Students. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 8
Tatura's Blake Armstrong lobs back the pill. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 8
Old Students' Callan McCabe fends off the pace. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 7 of 8
Tatura's Joshua Catalano has safe hands. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 8 of 8
Tatura's Nicholas Watt watches the ball into hands. Photo by Rechelle ZammitHowever, the Tatura coach found no struggle in putting together a fine innings himself, reaching the half-century mark before bowing out in the 33rd over.
Although, his departure came at a costly time.
With Coombs gone from the crease, tailenders Jess Petherick and Baxter Plunkett were left in the middle, chasing 38 runs to win.
But despite the mountainous task ahead on an unpredictable pitch, the pair showed no fear.
The duo trickled the runs around the ground to reduce the required runs needed to 17, but a mix-up in the 41st over saw Plunkett walk after a fatal run out.
But that wasn’t the end of Tat.
Young gun Tanner Miller stepped to the middle with ice coursing through his veins, and with 11 runs required off the final two overs, Miller and Petherick saw their side over the line in six balls.
Petherick pushed hard for two, then slotted away a single, before the pair dashed for three after Miller clipped the ball away.
Petherick rotated the strike once more before Miller punched a four through extra cover to win the game, as an astounded Coombs took in the clutch moment from the teenage talent.
A critical clash against Waaia comes up over the next fortnight, as Tatura aims to finish the season on the front foot.
“We want to make a real push before finals,” Coombs said.
“Last year we struggled after Christmas and went into finals with no form, so we’ll look to improve our batting from yesterday and get the result against Waaia.”
THE GAME
Old Students 155 (Oscar Lambourn 62, Jamie Carr 14, Tanner Miller 4-35) def. by Tatura 9-156 (Daniel Coombs 50, Jess Petherick 24 not out, Edward C Pike 2-22)
STAR PLAYER:
Tanner Miller (Tatura): The young gun proved to be an inspired 11th bat, smoking the winning runs with poise after delivering a clinic with the ball.