Rehan Bari was once again the saviour for Shepparton United on its opening day clash against Central Park-St Brendan’s at Deakin Reserve.
Not for the first time this Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield season and certainly not the last if his electrifying form is any indication, Bari helped rescue the innings with a classy half-century knock.
Sent to the crease with his side 3-12, the United gun scored a brilliant 91 from 147 deliveries before he was cruelly denied his second ton of the summer by the efforts of Tiger spinner Kieran Hogeboom (3-27).
Fellow middle order bat Jake Smith played a valuable role alongside Bari and contributed 43 runs in the pair’s 92-run partnership.
Bari has now crunched 413 runs from six innings to increase his lead ― and his Lightfoot Medal hopes ― on the runs scorer leaderboard.
Despite falling nine runs shy of the triple figures, Bari’s heroics ensured the visitors reached 184 ― a total that Central Park-St Brendan’s coach Tyler Larkin is hopeful his side can chase down this weekend.
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In the zone: Central Park-St Brendan's Rum Yze. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 9
Winding up: Central Park-St Brendan's bowler Ethan Baxter. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 9
Good leave: Shepparton United's Angus Lake. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 9
Let's go: Shepparton United's Dan Jones and Angus Lake talk things out. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 9
Marshalling the troops: Central Park-St Brendan's wicket keeper Jack McCarten. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 9
Howzat? Central Park-St Brendan's wicket-keeper, Jack McCarten appeals for a catch behind. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 9
Solid defence: Shepparton United's Angus Lake. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 9
On the front foot: Shepparton United's Dan Jones. Photo by Megan FisherImage 9 of 9
All smiles: Central Park-St Brendan's fielder's Riley Lau. Photo by Megan FisherThe Tigers will resume play of the twilight contest at 0-2.
“I thought the pitch would break up as the day went on to be honest. It was really dry and it turned out to be pretty docile,” Larkin said.
“There weren’t too many demons in the wicket and to keep them under 200, we’re really pleased with that considering how the pitch played.
“Things started off pretty well and we got those early wickets, but Rehan batted well and he was able to get a partnership going.
“We knew if we could hang in there we would get the rewards later on and that’s what happened. Once we got that breakthrough and got into the lower order we were able to clean them up quickly.”
United’s final six wickets fell for 34 runs, with Hogeboom and fellow spinner Jarrod Wakeling ripping through the tail.
Wakeling claimed 3-40 from his 16 overs, while Hogeboom rounded out the United innings with his third and final scalp.
Earlier in the day it was experienced head Ramadan Yze (1-20 from 13 overs) who shone bright.
Larkin praised the efforts of his bowling brigade on the opening day of the round six encounter.
“Keiran bowled really well; in his first spell he didn’t get any reward, but he came back on and it was good he got wickets at the end,” Larkin said.
“I thought every bowler did well in their own right. Keiran and Wakes getting some reward was good to see.”
THE GAME SO FAR
Shepparton United 184 (Rehan Bari 91, Jake Smith 43, Steve Tate 15, Kieran Hogeboom 3-27, Jarrod Wakeling 3-40) v Central Park-St Brendan’s 0-2 (Ryan Ash 2 not out, Andrew Cowen 0 not out)