It was action aplenty across the region on Thursday night as round one of Cricket Shepparton’s A-grade Twenty20 competition started.
With 10 teams in the competition due to Mooroopna, Nagambie and Waaia not entering there were five games pencilled in, however, a Numurkah forfeit for its contest against Kyabram meant four games were played.
In the most exciting game of the round, Old Students picked up a slim seven-run win over Shepparton United.
A thrilling contest at Kialla Park Reserve, the Students posted a healthy total of 7-164 thanks to Felix Odell (41) and Ashton Young (38).
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Shot: Tatura’s Michael Archer plays one off the bat. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 2 of 9
Teamwork: Central Park-St Brendan's. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 3 of 9
Getting set: Tatura’s Sam Langley. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 4 of 9
Facing off: Tatura’s Xavier Hutchison. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 5 of 9
Up and about: Central Park-St Brendan's bowler Max Hooper comes in with pace. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 6 of 9
Fielding: Tiger Rhiley Lau. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 7 of 9
Making runs: Tatura’s Xavier Hutchison on the move. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 8 of 9
Steaming in: Central Park-St Brendan's bowler Dwain Vidler. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 9 of 9
Cooling off: Central Park-St Brendan’s wicketkeeperJack McCarten. Photo by Aydin PayneThis score looked to be in danger thanks to some strong hitting from Darshana Lokuhettige (47) and Chaminda Vidanapathirana (35), however, United could only make 7-157 at the end of their 20 overs.
At Deakin Reserve, Central Park-St Brendan’s got the job done against Tatura, securing a nine-wicket victory.
Choosing to bat first the Bulldogs were inconsistent throughout their innings, with a strong performance from Samuel Langley (39 not out) helping them reach 9-107.
This total proved easy to catch for the home side, as the Tigers — led by a Rhiley Lau 69 not out — overcame some economical bowling to secure the win in 15.4 overs.
Across town, Karramomus picked up a seven-wicket victory against Northerners at Shepparton’s Vibert Reserve.
Taking 17.5 overs to reach the Jets’ 110 run total, the Bloods’ victory was headlined by a Sam Walton 3-37 with the ball and a Bayden Bailey 52 not out with the bat.
In the final game of the evening Katandra secured the points away to Euroa.
Some great bowling from Bailey Simpson (3-12) and Brandon Reilly (2-5) set the Eagles up for a seven-wicket win.
News’ all-rounder Aydin Payne went to Deakin Reserve on Thursday to capture some of the action.