Minor premier Kyabram has showcased exactly why it is the favourite to claim the Haisman Shield after an impressive 63-run over Waaia on Saturday.
The Redbacks have not lost a game since round one and are now through to the Cricket Shepparton semi-finals where they will face Central Park-St Brendan’s.
An unbeaten knock of 92 from Kyle Mueller was the backbone of Kyabram’s innings, with 48 from Paul Parsons helping the Redbacks to 6-209.
Their bowling attack then went to work in the second innings as Ky had Waaia all out for 146 in reply – knocking the Bombers out of the finals.
Kyabram elected to bat after winning the toss, reaching 3-121 thanks to Billy McLay (29) and Mueller.
However, two quick wickets in as many balls from Waaia’s Jesse Trower threatened to derail Kyabram’s innings.
But Mueller and Parsons combined well with a partnership of 88 that set Kyabram up in a good position at the change of innings.
Kyabram coach Jackson McLay said he was mightily impressed with the way Mueller and Parsons batted.
“Kyle really led the way with the bat with another 90-odd not out with support from Billy McLay (29) and Paul Parsons in the top and middle order, which was fantastic,” McLay said.
“He is obviously having a ripper year. To carry his form from the regular season into the finals, that is what great players do. He probably deserved a hundred in the context of the game.
“Kyle had to dig pretty deep, Mitch Cleeland worked him over in a spell that he hasn’t had to deal with too much this year. It was good to see him handle that and then counterattack as well.
“I thought he was fantastic, so was Paul at the end with 48, that was a very important knock as well. It was a very important partnership.”
McLay said his side was feeling good with a score of more than 200 on the board, and a good start in the field solidified its ascendancy in the contest.
Waaia was at 2-18, and despite resilient knocks of 41 from opener Brenton Low and 34 from Mitch Cleeland, the Bombers’ run chase never got off the ground.
After Low and Cleeland were removed, the result was all but confirmed. Ky took the remaining wickets as it clinched a comprehensive victory.
Angus McKenzie and Darin Ohlsen had identical match figures of 3-27 for Kyabram, with McLay praising both bowlers.
“Angus at the top, that is probably the best he has bowled all year. He has been working into a bit of form over the last two or three weeks,” McLay said.
“His rhythm was fantastic on Saturday, it looked like he was hitting the gloves quite hard.
“Darin has had a fantastic season as well, he is quite hard to get away in the middle overs with his spin and he was fantastic again.
“With the ball we wanted to start well and put their batters under pressure, which we did. We created some chances and unfortunately put some down too, but overall I thought all our bowlers were fantastic.
“We kept it tight and created chances and to keep them to 146 was fantastic.”
Kyabram will now take on Central Park-St Brendan’s – the only side to have beaten the Redbacks this season – for a spot in the grand final.
The Tigers finished second on the ladder and were handed an upset 34-run loss by fifth-placed Numurkah on Saturday.
Kyabram and Central Park-St Brendan’s will now face off at Kyabram Recreation Reserve on Saturday, March 11 at 12.30pm.
THE GAME
Kyabram 6-209 (Kyle Mueller 92 not out, Paul Parsons 48, Will Trower 2-27, Brayden Summerville 2-52) d Waaia 146 (Brenton Low 41, Mitchell Cleeland 34, Angus McKenzie 3-27, Darin Ohlsen 3-27)
STAR PLAYER
Kyle Mueller (Kyabram): Mueller has been the danger man with the bat all season for the Redbacks and he showcased his class once again on Saturday. He battled his way through a bombardment from Mitch Cleeland before blasting his way to a score of 92 not out that set Ky up for victory.