Cricket Shepparton’s Whitelock Shield home and away season has come to a close, with an exciting final four well-set for semi-finals showdowns this weekend.
The season’s closing round offered a fair bit in the way of surprises, as fifth-placed Tatura bested the ladder-leading Old Students in a thrilling upset.
It was a Mahoney masterclass in the first innings, with Tatura’s Paul (3-9) and Jack (1-0) ripping through Students’ batting card to have them all out for a light 80 runs.
Students skipper Mathew Newton-King provided the resistance from down the order to manage 21.
Tatura barely stuttered in its pursuit, as its top four got the job done after 28 overs.
It was the Mahoneys yet again, with Paul managing an unbeaten 23 to see his side over the line alongside Jack (8 not out); Nathan Bowles (18) and Troy Beecroft (26) providing the remainder of the runs to seal the upset.
Despite the loss, Students clinch the minor premiership following a dominant season and roll through to a home semi-final match-up this weekend.
Nagambie punched its finals ticket with a win over Karramomus, the Lakers getting the job done on the back of a resounding first innings batting performance.
Blake Ezard put on a dominant 46, while Keith Berry (23) and Hugh McKeown (25 not out) supported to see the Lakers pile on 173.
The Bloods couldn’t get out of first gear in the chase, bundled out for 86 after 34 overs.
Steven Brook (3-6) snagged three in a scintillating five-over spell, while Wil Gladwin (2-2) and McKeown (2-4) took two apiece.
Waaia and Mooroopna shared points after the final match was washed out.