While it wasn’t always pretty Numurkah made it two wins from two starts this Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield season with a hard-fought 25-run triumph over Old Students at Numurkah Showgrounds on Saturday.
A devastating nine-over spell by the ever-reliable Mitch Grandell, who finished with figures of 4-16, would prove to be the catalyst for the Blues’ victory as they successfully defended a below-par total of 166.
This came after a youthful Old Students piled pressure on the home team, taking 8-33 in the final 10 overs to spark belief of an upset victory.
But as all good sides do, the class of Numurkah came to the fore, as it produced a complete performance in the field to restrict Students to 141 and come away with six valuable points.
“It was good to get the win, it was a bit of a grind out there all day, so to overcome a bit of adversity and take the points was pleasing,” Blues captain Dylan Grandell said.
“Although they have a younger side I thought Old Students were really impressive, the way they bowled and fielded seriously put us under the pump.
“We had to battle it out right until the end to get the result and to our guys’ credit they responded really well after a few nervy moments.”
Winning the toss and batting first Numurkah was quick to make the most of the favourable batting conditions, with import Conor McElligott leading the way at the top of the order.
An innings built on patience, the Englishman was resolute in defence and pounced on anything loose to register 50 off 111 deliveries in what was his first extended hit of the summer.
“Con did really well, he was in control out there and really set the platform for us,” Grandell said.
“I was really proud of the way he went about it, he’s been a bit frustrated coming over here and not getting to play much cricket, so for him to get out there and make a few was awesome for us.”
With McElligott taking centre stage, seasoned star Michael Eckard (29) and skipper Grandell (28) provided outstanding support as the Blues looked set to eclipse the 200 mark.
But at the 35-over mark the game changed.
Led by Sam O’Brien (2-9) and Dillon Hammer (3-29), Students tore through the Numurkah lower order, taking the last eight wickets in less than 10 overs to give themselves an achievable target of 166.
With all the momentum at their back, early stages of the chase looked positive as Josh Robertson dug in with a patient 45.
However, similarly to the Blues’ innings, when it looked like the visitors were going to skip away the match took a turn.
And this time it was Mitch Grandell that did the damage, with his four wickets pivotal to the Students’ middler order collapse of 4-3 that ultimately decided the game.
“It was a very solid performance in the field and all our bowlers chipped in,” Grandell said.
“Mitch was exceptional in particular, he didn’t give them anything to hit and played into our game plan of building pressure.
“So to bowl nine straight overs and take those key wickets, he really turned the game in our favour.”
THE GAME
Numurkah 166 (Conor McElligott 50, Michael Eckard 29, Dillon Hammer 3-29, Sam O’Brien 2-9) d Old Students 144 (Josh Robertson 45, Mitch Grandell 4-16)
STAR PLAYER
Mitch Grandell (Numurkah): With his team at risk of suffering a shock defeat halfway through the second innings, Mitch Grandell came into the attack and proved the saviour. Bowling nine straight overs, he was meticulous with his line and length and struck with regularity to finish with match-winning figures of 4-16.