Kyabram has continued to resurrect its Cricket Shepparton Haisman Shield season with a comeback victory over Shepparton United marking its fourth consecutive win after a shaky start.
THE GAME
Kyabram 161 (Cade Mueller 71, Kyle Fitzgerald 37*, Sam Nash 2-32) d Shepparton United 158 (Hugh Conway 73*, Louis Sabbagh-Holt 2-12)
STAR PLAYER
Cade Mueller (Kyabram): Mueller was electrifying in the win, stepping up in the absence of his brother Kyle with his bat on fire for 71 runs.
The Redbacks, who were highly fancied pre-season, but began with a disappointing 1-4 record, have now dramatically turned their fortunes around.
The match was a showcase of resilience and determination from the Redbacks.
Shepparton United, batting first, posted a total of 158 runs in its 45 overs.
Its innings was anchored by Hugh Conway's unbeaten 73, a knock that included six boundaries.
However, the disciplined bowling from the Redbacks, especially from Louis Sabbagh-Holt and Jackson McLay, who both claimed two wickets, kept the scoring in check.
Kyabram's response was robust and calculated.
Despite losing early wickets, Cade Mueller's scintillating 71 off 75 balls, studded with 13 fours and a six, turned the game on its head.
Kyle Fitzgerald's unbeaten 37 further steadied the innings, guiding the Redbacks to a well-earned victory with a total of 161 runs in 31 overs.
The bowling of Shepparton United was put to the test as Kyabram's bats showed great composure and aggression.
The bowlers, led by Sam Nash and Joe Hammond, managed to take key wickets, but couldn't prevent the Redbacks from reaching the target.
Kyabram’s recent turnaround has set the stage for an exciting final month of the season.
For Shepparton United, this game was a missed opportunity to assert dominance.
Losing both openers for golden ducks marked a miserable start and it'll look to rebound against Old Students.