Sport
Haisman Shield ǀ Gledhill, Arnel partnership helps Numurkah to 133-run shellacking of Northerners
Numurkah affirmed control of top spot of the Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield ladder on Saturday, dispatching an out-of-form Northerners outfit in blistering fashion at Numurkah Showgrounds.
The Blues took full advantage of Northerners’ recent struggles and opted to bat first, but it was the visitors that had their tails up in the opening exchanges.
Skipper Dylan Grandell was sent packing by Tim Brett in the third over after lofting it straight back to the bowler.
Conor McElligott was gone in the 13th over with 10 runs to his name, but a classy knock from the Blues’ returning star Michael Eckard put his side back on track.
A middle-order stutter would keep the Jets in the game after Bailey Smith, Eckard, Jordan O’Dwyer and Jahlan Lau departed within five overs to put the home side at 6-97.
Stalwart Liam Gledhill (53 not out) entered alongside Tim Arnel (55) and produced a game-saving partnership that put the Blues back in the box seat.
“It was a good performance with both bat and ball,” Grandell said of the win.
“It was also one of the better fielding performances we’ve had all year, Northerners are always a dangerous side, so we’re really happy with the win and to be able to continue with some great form after the break.”
The Blues have looked unstoppable post-Christmas and are unbeaten in their past four outings.
Eckard has been a big reason behind the Blues’ surge up the ladder and averages 60 from his six outings this season, but the number three had important help down the order on Saturday that ultimately sealed the win.
“Mike’s in good form with the bat and we saw that again on Saturday,” Grandell said.
“It was the partnership with Liam and Tim that really got us over the line, they got us to 210 off 90 balls and both got over 50.
“At 6-90 we thought we were in a bit of trouble, but they both batted superbly.”
After a standout batting show, the Blues’ skipper was most pleased by his side’s near-faultless bowling performance which balanced the game nicely.
Bailey Smith took 4-22 off his eight overs, while Riley Dawson (3-23) and Tim Braybon (3-15) were just as deadly as they rolled the Jets for 74.
“Riley Dawson was super up front, it was nice to give Bailey (Smith) and Tim (Braybon) a bit more of a bowl, they hand’t had a lot of opportunities to bowl so far this season,” Grandell said.
“Our bowling and fielding has been solid all year long and yesterday was probably one of our best batting performances of the year.
“It’s nice to support our bowlers and give them a score to defend.”
THE GAME
Numurkah 7-207 (Michael Eckard 64, Tim Arnel 55, Liam Gledhill 53 not out, Mitch Brett 2-37, Dallas Furnell 2-39, Trent Sidebottom 2-46) d Northerners 74 (Bailey Smith 4-22, Tim Braybon 3-15, Riley Dawson 3-23)
STAR PLAYER
Tim Arnel (Numurkah): In a Numurkah performance full of big contributors, Arnel stands a cut above after a magnificent bowling display following his fine half-century in the first innings. Arnel looked lethal with ball in hand and cost only 10 runs from his six overs.