Sport
Haisman Shield | Gallery | ‘Special innings’: Vibert century helps Tatura avoid the spoon
Tatura has ended its Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield campaign on a high and avoided an unwanted accolade after topping Shepparton United in the final game of the regular season.
A magnificent unbeaten century from Tom Vibert was the game-changer for Tatura, with his knock of 107 not out carrying his side to victory.
It was Tatura’s second win of the season, but it was a vital result that had it climb from the bottom of the ladder up to 11th.
Tatura playing coach Daniel Coombs said the victory was a pleasing way to end the season.
“It’s good to get off the bottom,” Coombs said.
“I think we played some decent cricket, probably inconsistently over the year, so I think we would have been a bit hard done by to finish bottom. We pushed a couple of the top teams when we played them.
“I think it is always good to win near the end of the year and obviously aim for a bit higher next year.”
Batting first, Tatura reached 9-187 from its 45 overs at Central Park Recreation Reserve, with Vibert’s score accounting for more than half of his side’s total.
Vibert strode to the crease with Tatura at 3-27 before putting the team on his back.
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In the field: Shepparton United's Rehan Bari takes a breather. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 8
On the attack: Shepparton United bowler Mahesh Kodamullage in action. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 8
Dismissed: Tatura's Kade Walker walks from the field after he was out caught and bowled. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 8
At the ready: Shepparton United wicket keeper Tyler Green waits for the delivery. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 8
Shepparton United bowler Ali Bangash.Haisman Shepparton UnitedHaisman Shield at Central ParkShepparton United v Tatura Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 8
Safe hands: Shepparton United wicket keeper Tyler Green gets ready to catch a the ball. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 8
Key contributers: Tatura's Tom Vibert, left, led the way with 107 runs on Saturday, while Will Russell, was Tatura's leading wicket tacker with four dismissals. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 8
On you marks: Tatura batter Kade Walker about to take off for a run. Photo by Megan FisherHe was one of only three Bulldogs bats to reach double digits, holding his nerve as wickets tumbled around him to make his way to his first A-grade century.
“Tom batted brilliantly. It was his first ever A-grade hundred, it was a special innings,” Coombs said.
“He has been in sensational form this year and just carried on batting positively.
“He has been in good form all year. He always looks like he is going to score runs. It has been really good to see his improvement this year and hopefully he can roll it on into next year.”
In the second innings, three early wickets got United’s run chase off to a shaky start as the home side fell to 3-10.
Chaminda Vidanapathirana (54) and Steven Tate (49) steadied the ship for United, but it wasn’t enough as the host was all out 35 runs short of the required total.
Will Russell was key with the ball for Tatura as he claimed four wickets, including the key dismissals of Vidanapathirana and Tate.
“It was good that Will Russell took some wickets towards the end, he has bowled really well in patches this year. He is another young player that is only going to keep developing,” Coombs said.
Coombs had match figures of 2-17, while Sam Nash was the pick of the United bowlers with 4-14.
Tatura’s victory moved it above its opponent on the ladder, with Shepparton United finishing the year in 12th, just above wooden spooners Karramomus.
THE GAME
Tatura 9-187 (Tom Vibert 107 not out, Will Russell 21, Sam Nash 4-14) d Shepparton United 152 (Chaminda Vidanapathirana 54, Steven Tate 49, Will Russell 4-36)
STAR PLAYER
Tom Vibert (Tatura): Vibert was unquestionably the hero for Tatura on Saturday, with his impeccable century leading his team to victory. Vibert literally won the game off his own bat – his knock accounted for more than half of the Bulldogs’ total, with only two others scoring in the double digits.