Moama has been crowned T20 champions of Goulburn Murray Cricket for the first time since 2015 after a remarkable final-over thriller against Kyabram Fire Brigade at Moama Recreation Reserve last Thursday.
Tracking down 125 runs for victory, Moama coasted into the final over of the run chase at 5-122, looking for all money like it was going to safely navigate the tricky, low-scoring pursuit with Jordan McGregor (24 runs) and Matt Saunders at the crease.
That was until all hell broke loose, with four wickets falling and the winning run coming off the final delivery of the clash.
The first delivery of Jack Donnell’s over was a single, but his second ball saw Saunders bowled for a duck, though Moama managed to level with Kyabram after a wide on the third.
But a remarkable run of three consecutive wickets that saw Duane Johns run out, McGregor bowled, and Archie Teasdale also run out saw the Pies require one run for victory on the final delivery.
Rhys Drennan held his nerve to deliver the crucial run, confirming Moama as this year’s Haeuslers T20 competition champions.
It marks a strong turnaround for Moama, who qualified for the semi-finals after losing its first game of the series.
“We lost the first game against (Echuca) South and thought that it was probably all over,” Moama captain Joel Murphy said.
“But we were able to beat Echuca and sneak into the semis. (We) beat Cohuna, and suddenly, we were into the grand final.”
Kyabram qualified for the final after its clash against BLU was abandoned, and batting first, the Flames made a strong start despite danger man Kaine Herbert and Cade Mueller departing cheaply.
Liam Evans posted a swashbuckling 50 runs off 43 deliveries, while Bohden Learmonth’s 36 saw the Flames post 7-124.
Rhys Drennan (3-47) and Jordan McGregor (2-13) were the pick of Moama’s bowlers, but early in the run chase, the Flames bowlers fired.
Jackson Barnett dismissed Fraser Buchanan and Anthony McMahon cheaply, but a platform-building 21 from Joel Murphy kept Moama’s run rate ticking.
Evans struck with the ball, sending Murphy packing and bringing Michael Hill to the crease.
Hill and McGregor built a decisive 61-run partnership on the back of Hill’s half-century, a knock that drew the appreciation of his captain.
“It was a low-scoring game, and we were in a bit of trouble at the start,” Murphy said.
“Hilly (Michael Hill) batted really well and got the momentum back in our favour.”
The win marks Moama’s first T20 title since 2015 when it defeated Tongala in that year’s grand final.
The Game
Moama 9-125 (Michael Hill 51) defeated Kyabram Fire Brigade 7-124 (Liam Evans 50, Bohden Learmonth 36, Rhys Drennan 3-47)