The clubrooms at the newly-developed Vibert Reserve were rocking on Saturday night following Karramomus’ stunning 21-run upset win over finals-bound Numurkah.
It took a fearless captain’s knock from Mitch McGrath, a fiery spell of bowling from young gun Lachie Keady and a brilliant fielding performance for Karramomus to chalk up its second win of the Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield season.
Once the Bloods posted their total of 5-136 — a score that McGrath thought wouldn’t be enough — Numurkah looked in the box seat to achieve its seventh win of the summer.
Image 1 of 7
Steaming in: Numurkah's Tim Arnel. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 2 of 7
No run there: Karramomus' Billy Jones. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 3 of 7
On the charge: Numurkah's Matthew Cline. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 4 of 7
Shine it up: Numurkah's Mitch Grandell. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 5 of 7
Relief: Karramomus' Billy Jones. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 6 of 7
Quick single: Karramomus' Mitch McGrath. Photo by Aydin PayneImage 7 of 7
Close chance: Numurkah's Dylan Grandell. Photo by Aydin PayneBut the son of a Cricket Shepparton icon tore through Numurkah’s top-order with pure venom and before long the visiting Blues were in complete disarray at 7-47.
A brave unbeaten 30 from Matthew Cline gave Numurkah a glimpse of pulling off a miracle, but the Bloods were relentless as they rolled the guest for 115.
McGrath said the win, which lifts Karramomus off the bottom of the ladder, was reward for effort after a tough campaign.
“It was a pretty big night ... it was a really good day for the club,” the Bloods captain said.
“I’m just really proud of the boys; they’ve been training hard and just haven’t got the reward for effort yet.
“But they showed (on Saturday) that when they can put it together they can match it with some of the best teams. We’ve got one week left to finish the season on a high, we’ll use this momentum and hopefully we can grab another scalp.”
McGrath played a pivotal role at the start of Karra’s innings, with fellow opener Billy Jones strong in his defensive work.
The two combined for an important 56-run opening partnership, but once Jones departed it was Numurkah’s Riley Dawson who quickly grabbed the limelight.
The emerging talent picked up three wickets to leave the Bloods 3-56.
McGrath was made to play the anchor role as his side tried to reach triple figures.
His 56-run knock came off 105 deliveries and included six boundaries — his second half-century since Christmas.
McGrath’s responsibilities to lead the side to victory changed hands to Keady as he grabbed the new ball.
Along with fellow opener Zane Newbound, Keady ripped through Numurkah’s star-studded batting order.
Keady’s scalps included Blues gun Michael Eckard, Dylan Grandell and Conor McElligott.
His 4-27 at the weekend was his best return with the ball this summer and McGrath heaped praise on the young gun.
“The first spell from Lachie and Zane was exceptional,” McGrath said.
“Lachie had his tail up, Zane was bowling tight at the other end and our fielding was the best it’s been all season.
“We really started to believe we could win and everyone was buzzing, it was a great feeling.
“Lachie has been pretty luckless with wickets this season, but he showed his talents on Saturday. Some of his wickets, those are some serious batters, so it was great to see him do well.”
THE GAME
Karramomus 5-136 (Mitch McGrath 56, Billy Jones 27, Zac Groombridge 21, Riley Dawson 3-10) d Numurkah 115 (Matthew Cline 30 not out, Tim Braybon 25, Lachie Keady 4-27, Craig Dhosi 2-15)
STAR PLAYER
Lachie Keady (Karramomus): A case can be made for McGrath’s crucial half-century to remove Keady from the star player gong, but the young quick picked up the crucial wickets of Michael Eckard, Dylan Grandell and Conor McElligott. Throw in his direct run-out and handy 11 not out with the bat and it was a classy afternoon for the Karra star.