It was a happy day out for Old Students on Saturday as the side got the better of Tatura in a high-scoring encounter.
Facing off in the round 10 Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield battle at Kialla Park Recreation Reserve, some superb batting got the Students over the line with five wickets to spare.
Winning the toss and choosing to bat, Tatura lost Matthew Cornwall and Blake Armstrong for two runs to kick off the game.
Sitting in a difficult position, the visitors steadied the ship through Daniel Coombs (58) and Tom Vibert (75 not out), with Vibert the star of the visitors’ innings.
Striking seven fours and one six, Vibert’s impressive knock helped his side to a competitive score of 7-195, with the game well and truly in the balance at the break.
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Full stretch: Old Students' Xavier Lewis. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 2 of 6
Strong innings: Tatura's Daniel Coombs. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 3 of 6
In the field: Old Students' Sam O'Brien. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 4 of 6
Eyes on the ball: Tatura's Tom Vibert. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 5 of 6
Good day out: Old Students' Luke McPhillamy had a good spell with the bat. Photo by Rechelle ZammitImage 6 of 6
Old Students Captain and Fielder Felix Odell.Haisman Shield Old Students.Haisman Shield cricketOld Students v Tatura @Kialla Rec Reserve. Photo by Rechelle ZammitBursting out of the blocks early, the Students piled 30 runs on the board before losing the wicket of Sam O’Brien.
Despite the loss of their opener, fellow Student Luke McPhillamy remained consistent throughout the innings, hitting 15 fours on his way to 81 runs.
Joining McPhillamy with a half-century was Felix Odell (52 not out), with the duo’s scores guiding its side to a winning score of 199 with five wickets to spare.
Moving the side into ninth spot on the ladder, the Students now sit seven points off sixth-placed Waaia, with a finals berth remaining a possibility.
THE GAME
Tatura 7-195 (Tom Vibert 75 not out, Daniel Coombs 58, Ashton Young 3-28) lt Old Students 5-199 (Luke McPhillamy 81, Felix Odell 52, Bailey Archer 4-25)
STAR PLAYER
Luke McPhillamy (Old Students): A deserving recipient of the the star player gong, McPhillamy’s knock of 81 well and truly set his side up for victory.