Anthony McMahon’s decisive 81 helped Moama fend off a determined Cooma challenge in round one of the McMahon Shield.
The Mowers posted 6-188 on a slow Cooma Recreation Reserve on the back of McMahon’s knock and contributions from Michael Hill with 23 in his first game against his old club and late cameos from Kirk and Archie Teasdale.
Xavier Fawcett and Ben Napier each snagged two wickets to help keep Moama’s run rate down, and captain Joel Murphy said McMahon’s 82-ball, four-six effort was crucial.
“He made 80 at about a run a ball,” Murphy said.
“He was probably the only bloke all day who was able to score at a run a ball. It was a slow outfield and hard to score.”
Meanwhile, the run chase went the distance with a determined Cooper Fawcett nearly carrying his team over the line.
The Cooma skipper posted 61 and helped guide his side to a commanding position of 5-172, but excellent bowling from Matt Saunders, Hill, and McMahon saw the hosts lose 4-6 and fall 10 runs short.
“We got out of jail and snuck away with the win,” Murphy said.
“We got the win, which is the main thing, but it certainly wasn’t a complete performance, there’s a few things to tidy up.
“We probably just need to limit the wides and sharpen up fielding.”
Moama will face Kyabram Fire Brigade next week, with Cooma travelling to Tongala.
The Game
Moama 6-188 (Anthony McMahon 81, Michael Hill 23, Ben Napier 2-16, Xavier Fawcett 2-35) def Cooma 9-178 (Cooper Fawcett 61, Rob Trewin 25, Hugo Bell 24, Matt Saunders 2-36, Michael Hill 2-36).