Kyabram has clinched top spot and the Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield minor premiership after a stunning weekend of cricket action.
Kyabram jumped from third to first after its win over Euroa on Saturday, with a crucial result elsewhere going its way to help it claim top spot.
Ladder leader Mooroopna was in pole position to finish on top, but suffered a surprise five-wicket defeat to Numurkah, with the Redbacks’ four-wicket victory propelling them to first place.
The Redbacks also overtook Katandra – which was in second, but has now dropped to fourth – after it was out of action in the final round with the bye.
Knowing only a win would give it a shot at finishing on top, Kyabram made a strong start as it limited Euroa to 7-146 in the first innings at Kyabram Recreation Reserve.
Euroa’s Nicholas Hill came painfully close to a half-century, out for 49 for the second time this season.
Led by scores of 46 from Kyle Fitzgerald and 43 not out from Kyle Mueller, the Redbacks cruised to 7-147 victory with more than a dozen overs to spare.
Kyabram is now guaranteed a spot in the semis – thanks to the league’s lucky loser rule – as well as a home final against Waaia this weekend.
Redbacks coach Jackson McLay admitted he thought the minor premiership was out of reach a few weeks ago.
“It’s a bit of a surprise. I probably didn’t think that was on the cards a month ago,” McLay said.
“It’s fantastic, we’ll take it. It is obviously a bit of reward for effort.
“We knew we had to win and see what other results did. We just went about our business and stuck to our processes and we were able to get the job done.”
Still, McLay said his side was staying focused on the road ahead.
“At the end of the day, it is only a number. Pretty much it is a new season, we start again now,” he said.
“We want to win next week and have another home final, so there is plenty to play for. Knowing that Waaia’s season is on the line, they are going to come really hard.
“We are going to go extremely hard. Just because you finish on top doesn’t mean you take the foot off the pedal.
“At the end of the day, it is only a number. I think anyone in the top six is good enough to win it. It will be an exciting finals series.”
Looking back on Saturday’s victory, McLay said he was impressed with the team’s performance with ball and the bat.
“I thought our bowlers were fantastic. We kept it tight, they never got away. And once Euroa lifted their intent to score that’s when we started to strike with the ball,” he said
“We stayed disciplined and waited for them to come to us, to keep them to 140 was a fantastic effort.”
An opening partnership of 55 set the scene for the run chase nicely, with McLay praising Fitzgerald’s efforts.
Mueller too earned McLay’s commendation – not just for his knock of 43 on Saturday, but his performances throughout the campaign.
“Kyle Mueller is having a fair old season. He just did his thing and got another not out, he has had a ripper season,” he said.
Scott Hamilton also made 39 runs for Euroa, while the Magpies’ Cohen Paul had match figures of 3-41.
THE GAME
Euroa 7-146 (Nicholas Hill 49, Scott Hamilton 39, Alec Young 2-22, Kaine Herbert 2-40) lt Kyabram 6-147 (Kyle Fitzgerald 46, Kyle Mueller 43 not out, Cohen Paul 3-41, Sham Dadallage 2-34)
STAR PLAYER
Kyle Fitzgerald (Kyabram): Fitzgerald’s knock of 46 helped pave the way for the Redbacks’ victory on Saturday. Fitzgerald was part of a strong opening partnership on his way to 46 – the top score for Kyabram on the day.