Tatura has kick-started 2023 in the best way possible with its maiden Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield win of the season at the weekend.
A mature knock from young wicketkeeper Xavier Hutchison, who top-scored with 39 runs, and a sublime bowling spell from coach Daniel Coombs helped Tatura on its way to a 46-run win over Karramomus in the round seven fixture at Howley Oval.
With the annual Rod Kilmartin Memorial up for grabs, Tatura posted 9-187 from its 45 overs before the host was able to restrict the Bloods to 141 in reply.
Saturday’s triumph lifts Tatura off the bottom of the A-grade ladder and one spot behind 10th-placed Karramomus.
“I think the boys really deserved that win. They had been playing some great cricket leading into the break,” Coombs said.
“It’s nice to get some reward and hopefully we can continue on with it now and not finish the season with the one win.”
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In the zone: Karramomus’ Angus Heslin. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 7
No run there: Tatura’s Daniel Coombs. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 7
Party time: Karramomus celebrate a wicket. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 7
Safe hands: Karramomus’ wicketkeeper Luke Forge. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 7
Chat it out: Tatura’s Kade Walker and Daniel Coombs. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 7
In full flight: Karramomus’ Lachlan Keady. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 7
Winding up: Tatura’s Lachlan Magee. Photo by Megan FisherCoombs described the win over the Bloods as a “real up-and-down sort of game” with both sides able to enjoy momentum swings.
Karramomus was the first to gain the upper hand with the home side left reeling at 4-58.
All of the Bloods’ first four bowlers were able to contribute with scalps and it was Angus Heslin (2-29) who was the pick of the bunch.
When handy middle-order bat Nicholas Watt departed caught-behind for 26, Tatura was 6-91 and facing a huge challenge to reach a “par score of 150” according to Coombs.
Hutchison strolled out to the crease and joined fellow youngster Bailey Archer, with the pair able to post a further 29 runs before the latter was dismissed.
Hutchison was able to string together crucial partnerships with the lower order bats as he helped Tatura reach its match-winning total.
Coombs praised the efforts of his side’s top-scorer.
“Xav was really important for us and I thought he showed a lot of maturity out there,” the playing coach said.
“He put value on his wicket, he knocked the ball around and he got the quick singles. He really works hard at training and it was great to see him bat well.”
Karramomus got off to a strong start with the bat and the opening partnership almost brought up a 50-run stand.
Raj Singh picked up the important wicket of Mitch McGrath, before Coombs played a hand in a run-out and picked up the next two wickets with his spin bowling.
Without strike bowler Blake Armstrong in the line-up due to illness, Coombs said he was impressed with how his side was able to register an “all-round team effort”.
“It was great to see the boys really scrap and fight hard to win,” Coombs said.
“Everytime we pegged it back they were able to get back in control and get a bit of a run on. I thought it was a great all-round team effort.
“We lost Blake to illness before the game and he’s a massive out for us with bat and ball ... (the win) just showed how well the boys were able to cover his absence.”
THE GAME
Tatura 9-187 (Xavier Hutchinson 39, Nicholas Watt 26, Angus Heslin 2-29) d Karramomus 141 (Michael Mandaradoni 37, Daniel Coombs 4-25, Tom Vibert 3-17)
STAR PLAYER
Xavier Hutchison (Tatura): The emerging talent edged out his coach for the gong with his crucial unbeaten 39 that helped lift Tatura to its winning score. Hutchison walked out to bat with his side 6-91 and after 58 deliveries and 72 minutes, walked off the field with Tatura in the box seat.