Numurkah’s impressive five-wicket win over Mooroopna was one of the many highlights in a dramatic weekend of the Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield season.
The Blues, led by a class all-round performance from star talent Michael Eckard, handed Mooroopna its second defeat of the season in the captivating round 14 contest at Mooroopna Recreation Reserve.
Eckard was Mr Reliable with ball and bat in hand as he top-scored with 47 runs and claimed 2-11 from nine overs as Numurkah held on to fifth position on the ladder.
Mooroopna’s surprising loss, its first since November, sees the Cats slip from top spot down into third.
The Cats now face a date against Katandra in the first week of finals, while Numurkah heads into a clash against Central Park-St Brendan’s with its tail up.
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Leg glance: Mooroopna's Henry Barrow. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 7
Crunch: Mooroopna's Nick Breslin. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 7
Pass it around: Numurkah wicket-keeper Dylan Grandell. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 7
Big grin: Numurkah's Micheal Eckard. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 7
Quick single: Mooroopna's Jake Wright. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 7
Big effort: Numurkah's Bailey Smith. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 7
In the zone: Numurkah's Riley Dawson. Photo by Megan FisherNumurkah entered the round 14 encounter down on confidence — one week on from its shock defeat to Karramomus.
The Blues struck blood inside the opening minutes of Mooroopna’s innings, with in-form opener Brodie McDonald dismissed for a duck.
Ethan Anderson and Jac Smith-Williams went to work on salvaging the disastrous start and almost brought up a 50-run partnership before Anderson was sent packing.
Smith-Williams top-scored for the host with 36 runs before he was the next to depart thanks to a peach from Numurkah young gun Riley Dawson (3-27).
The wickets continued to tumble for Mooroopna and before long the Blues had it 5-77 when Dawson clinched his third wicket and his skipper Dylan Grandell held on to the fourth of his five dismissals.
Some late hitting from Mooroopna playing coach Luke Zanchetta (24 not out) helped the host reach 128 from 42 overs.
It was a similar start to Mooroopna’s innings when Numurkah began its run chase.
The Blues lost opener Conor McElligott with only two runs on the scoreboard.
But Eckard proved why he is one of the top players in the competition.
The Lightfoot medallist anchored the innings with 47 runs from 70 deliveries as he and Grandell combined for a match-winning 68-run partnership.
THE GAME
Mooroopna 128 (Jac Smith-Williams 36, Luke Zanchetta 24 not out, Riley Dawson 3-27, Michael Eckard 2-11, Bailey Smith 2-12) lt Numurkah 5-129 (Michael Eckard 47, Dylan Grandell 35 not out, Liam Gledhill 32, Luke Zanchetta 2-29)
STAR PLAYER
Michael Eckard (Numurkah): It was another class performance from the experienced Numurkah leader as he led from the front. His powerful batting effort, where he scored three boundaries and two sixes, gave the Blues the head start they needed in the run chase.