Sport
Invergordon claims emphatic Jim McGregor Shield victory over Undera to complete three-peat
One’s company, two’s a crowd and three’s a party.
On Saturday, Invergordon completed a famed three-peat by claiming its third Cricket Shepparton premiership on the spin, clinching a 48-run triumph at Tallygaroopna Recreation Reserve.
The little club that dared to dream did exactly that on the day, with the Hawks toppling Undera to make it back-to-back-to-back Jim McGregor Shield flags.
Brett Findlay led the charge on the batting front with a courageous 62-run knock at the top of the order, while Bayden Moor bowled brilliantly for his 4-39, leading Invergordon to an inspired and emotional victory.
THE GAME
Invergordon 194 (Brett Findlay 62, Bayden Moor 23, Jake Dryden 4-31) d Undera 146 (Sean Baker 32, Russell Sheriff 24, Bayden Moor 4-39)
STAR PLAYER
Bayden Moor (Invergordon): Moor took the game by the scruff of its neck, forging a formidable partnership with Brett Findlay before stepping in and skittling Undera’s middle order with ball in hand.
“It probably hasn’t really sunk in yet, but it’s a pretty big effort for the club to get three in a row,” captain Aaryn Cormican said.
“It’s the same sort of group who’s been playing together for quite a while now and it’s great to play with your mates.”
Winning the toss and electing to bat, Invergordon lost opener Patrick Riordan for seven before Findlay and Moor dug in to produce a 79-run stand for the second wicket.
The pair laid the groundwork for the following batters to build on and, though, none of the Hawks to come ventured past 20, a total near 200 was more than enough to defend in Cormican’s eyes.
“I was always going to bat first in a final; we bat pretty deep, so I thought we could always put a decent total on the scoreboard,” he said.
“We lost Pat pretty early; those two boys (Findlay and Moor) got together and pretty much set up the game for us.
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Where to next? Undera fielder Cameron Grogan. Photo by Megan FisherImage 2 of 9
Toss it up: Undera wicket keeper Richard Heathcote. Photo by Megan FisherImage 3 of 9
Digging in: Invergordon batters Luke O'Sullivan and Aaryn Cormican. Photo by Megan FisherImage 4 of 9
Waiting: Invergordon’s Aaryn Cormican. Photo by Megan FisherImage 5 of 9
Fancy footwork: Undera’s Shaun Dryden. Photo by Megan FisherImage 6 of 9
Copped one: Invergordon’s Aaryn Cormican. Photo by Megan FisherImage 7 of 9
Carved away: Invergordon’s Luke O'Sullivan. Photo by Megan FisherImage 8 of 9
Standing tall: Undera’s Glenn Campbell. Photo by Megan FisherImage 9 of 9
Whizzing through: Undera’s Jake Dryden. Photo by Megan Fisher“They put on a decent partnership and they were going at a decent click as well, which put the pressure back on Undera.
“I back our bowlers in to keep it pretty tight and do the job for us, which is how it all went to plan.”
On defence, Invergordon pulled the strings with stringent bowling to snuff out Undera’s retort with the Lions’ batters crafting starts but failing to kick on and wrest back power.
At 5-130, though, anything seemed possible.
Russell Sheriff was at the crease and, with 377 runs beneath his belt for the season, onlookers watched with bated breath to see if the Undera skipper would turn the tide for his side.
It wasn’t to be, though, as Sheriff’s dismissal on 24 triggered a collapse as the Lions lost 5-16 to fall on their swords and cede victory to Invergordon.
Moor’s four-wicket cameo was instrumental for the Hawks, as was Travis Murdoch’s showing of 3-20, but the occasion far outstripped any individual performance according to Cormican.
“I’ve been there (Invergordon) basically my whole life. I played junior cricket there and all the boys have been out there for a long time now,” he said.
“We’re only a small community, but it’s good to keep the cricket club going and have a bit of success for the community.
“It was good to see the community out there supporting us.
“Overall, it was a successful season from us and it was capped off well yesterday.”