Defending Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield premier Mooroopna started the new year in emphatic fashion on Saturday, downing Central Park-St Brendan’s at Deakin Reserve.
A clinical performance from the men in blue the five-wicket win was headlined by an impressive Jack Gaskill 6-35.
On top for most of the contest, Mooroopna found its first wicket four balls into the game thanks to Henry Barrow, with continued pressure with the ball having the Tigers dismissed for 114.
This fine performance with the ball was followed with the bat and despite losing a wicket five balls into the innings, a 59-run partnership between Brodie McDonald and Jac Smith-Williams set the Cats up for victory.
Reflecting on the contest, Mooroopna coach Luke Zanchetta said it was good to knock off the ladder leader.
“It was a really good performance all round I feel,” Zanchetta said.
“It was a real pleasure to be able to watch our side go about their business.
“The wicket had just a touch in it early, there was a nice grass coverage, it was a really nice wicket, but I think there was probably just a touch there early and obviously Henry just exploited every little bit about the wicket and got three of the top ones.”
Alongside Barrow, Zanchetta’s early wicket proved to be an important one, while Gaskill’s sustained pressure kept the home side’s total down.
“I just think we sort of got a few early and then Jack Gaskill came on and they were just trying to push through,” Zanchetta said.
“It was just one of those days where they got unlucky in a few instances, a few chop-ons it was just a good bowling performance, I think we just bowled tight.”
Happy to secure points against a fellow top six contender, Zanchetta said the win could help take pressure off as finals approach.
THE GAME
Central Park-St Brendan’s 114 (Connor Holland 31, Jack Gaskill 6-35, Henry Barrow 3-26) lt Mooroopna 5-116 (Brodie McDonald 46, Jac Smith-Williams 32, Dwain Vidler 2-34, Brendan Scott 2-35)
STAR PLAYER
Henry Barrow (Mooroopna): A quality performance with bat and ball earned Barrow the star player gong for this important victory. Taking three wickets at the top of the order and posting 22 not out with the bat, Barrow was a key man in the Cats’ win.