Echuca’s strength with bat and ball was on display on Saturday against Nondies-Cohuna.
Playing at home at Victoria Park, the three-time defending McMahon Shield champions were sent in by Nondies, who was searching for its first win of the campaign.
A couple of ducks at the top of the order gave Nondies some confidence as Echuca fell to a 2-24 start in the early overs, but remaining opener Brendan Moyle set about anchoring his side’s innings along with Archer Carlile.
The pair put on a 75-run stand for the third wicket, with Moyle raising the bat to salute a half-century before departing for 60, trapped in front as the first of Shaun Haffenden’s victims for the day.
Carlile and new batsman Anthony Dennis added only five before Carlile also fell before Haffenden, and after the Nondies strike man grabbed a third moments later, it had Echuca in some strife at 5-107.
Dennis started to take control of his side’s hopes, and with a rotating cast of partners, made his way to a gritty 41, eventually falling as the last man out, Echuca posting a competitive 184.
Haffenden’s 6-30 marks the best figures by any bowler so far this season, and kept Echuca from escaping with a mammoth score, while Matt Noonan proved an able deputy, grabbing two wickets.
Requiring 185 for victory, the N-C run chase never got out of first gear.
Angus Donat held up well at the top, scoring 18 in his 33-ball stay at the crease, but wickets fell thick and fast for the visitor.
A devastating middle period saw Nondies lose 3-0, and the lower order crumbled just as quickly, the side all out in just 29.2 overs with 85 runs to its name.
Donat, Troy Bott (14) and Haffenden (14) were the only double-figure scorers for Nondies as those around them fell shortly after making starts.
Charlie Hinks continued his strong wicket-taking form, following up on four wickets last week to grab 3-14 in this fixture, while Anthony Dennis (2-18) also made inroads.
The two sides now head into two-day fixtures over the next fortnight.
Echuca is away to Tongala, while Nondies-Cohuna will host Leitchville-Gunbower.
The Game
Echuca 184 (Brendan Moyle 60, Anthony Dennis 41, Shaun Haffenden 6-30) defeated Nondies-Cohuna 85 (Angus Donat 18, Charlie Hinks 3-14, Anthony Dennis 2-18)