Haisman Shield ǀ Gallery ǀ Classy Mueller knock steers Redbacks to imposing win over United

This week Mueller stepped into the spotlight and, despite not reaching the coveted three figures, it was the captain’s 85-run contribution which put his side in control at Central Park Recreation Reserve.

After electing to bat Kyabram coach Jackson McLay said his side had been put through its paces early by Shepparton United’s young brigade.

“It was a good win, but we didn’t have it all our own way,” McLay said.

“They had us 2-7 at the start — Billy and Kyle dug in and got us to drinks at 2-50 odd, then Kyle Mueller and Kyle Fitzgerald put on 90-odd which was sort of the match-winning innings.”

Mueller continued his fine start to the season after posting 42 against the Bloods last weekend.

The skipper was trapped in front by Rehan Bari in the 33rd over with his side at 4-145, but much to United’s dismay, a later-order knock from Darin Ohlsen (47 not out) inflicted more damage which in the end proved critical.

“Kyle batted brilliantly for his 80-odd and then Darin finished off with 47 off 20-odd balls, that really took the momentum into the bowling performance in the second innings for us,” McLay said.

The McLay strike partnership of Jackson and Charlie put United on the back foot within the first few balls of the second innings, before its experienced operators managed to weather the storm.

“Charlie and I picked up a wicket each early and had them two for not many at the start,” McLay said.

“To their credit, their young opener and Rehan put on a good partnership that looked threatening.

“But we know that once we can bowl some tight overs, our spinners can come on which dried up the runs completely.

“Charlie then took a blinder catch out in the deep which swung the momentum again our way and after that we were able to close out the day and put the game to bed.”

A superb McLay catch on the run off Ohlsen’s bowling in the 22nd over would bring Tyler Green’s day to a close after a hard-fought 28 off 71 balls..

Darshana Lokuhettige remained unbeaten and carved out 46 at number six, but the restrictive Redbacks bowling kept the required run rate out of reach for the home side, as it eventually fell 78 runs shy.