Kyabram’s two most consistent batters, Kyle Mueller and Billy McLay were to the fore again in a fighting win over Karramomus in Cricket Shepparton’s sixth round of Haisman Shield clashes on Saturday.
Mueller posted his second century — there have also been three 50s — in his stunning start to the season as Kyabram reached 7-225 at stumps in reply to Karramomus’ competitive score of 213 from the previous week.
Mueller, who finished with an unbeaten 101, was more subdued than usual with nine boundaries, but was not tempted to produce his well-known six-hitting to keep the glue in the Kyabram batting line-up along with McLay.
Mueller has now amassed 470 runs for the season in six knocks and with three unbeaten scores for an average of 123.1.
He also reached the milestone of making 5000 runs at senior level since he first broke into the Kyabram senior side as a 13-year-old 14 years ago.
Opener McLay was again his mainstay, facing 144 deliveries for 35 in a committed innings.
Handy knocks from Alec Young (16), Ethan Hart (22) and Charlie McLay (24) were also vital in getting the Redbacks over the line for their fifth successive win.
Kyabram will get no respite this Saturday, hosting potential finalist Katandra which is coming off the bye.
Clyde Young B-grade Shield
It was a huge challenge, but Kyabram’s B-grade side gave it its best shot against Karramomus.
Chasing the visitors' mammoth score of 7-320, powered by Karramomus captain Chris Crouch’s unbeaten 150.
Kyabram, led by Tom Holman with 65 off 60 balls with eight fours answered with 270 in a determined fightback.
Opener Jason Leocata with 42 and Dylan Lopez with a half-century put on 90 for the second wicket before Paul Wickham with 45, Holman and Max Coates (not out 17) kept the runs coming.
Unfortuantley, the efforts of Kyabram were not enough to overcome the dominant batting display of Karramomus.